What Do Opera Singers Know About Business Analysis?

When you’re preparing for a stakeholder meeting or a workshop, you probably think about the logistics: the agenda, the invite list, the purpose. But do you ever think about your voice? How you use that instrument can make or break your ability to convey calm authority, build trust, and connect authentically.

In our latest Business Analysis Live episode, I explored this topic with Elias Mokole, an opera singer, educator, and communication coach, and the insights were game-changing.

Why Your Voice Matters

Your voice is more than the words you use. It influences how people perceive you and how effectively your message lands. Elias reminded us that while we often focus on what we say, how we say it can be just as, or even more, important. Stakeholder challenges sometimes stem from poor vocal delivery rather than poor content.

Self-Awareness Is Step One

Before you can improve your communication, you need to understand your own habits. Are you rushing through sentences? Holding your breath when nervous?

Elias emphasized that self-awareness is the foundation for authentic communication. As hard as this might be for some of you (myself included), recording and then listening to yourself can reveal patterns you didn’t know existed. And here’s the key: focus on what’s good about your voice, not just what you want to fix.

Breath: The Ultimate Reset

When anxiety kicks in, your breath often betrays you. Shallow breathing signals stress and can undermine your confidence. Elias shared techniques like box breathing to reset your nervous system and regain control.

Breath isn’t only about staying calm. It’s also the fuel for your voice. Think of it as the foundation for tone, clarity, and connection.

Authenticity Over Imitation

It’s tempting to compare yourself to charismatic speakers or polished presenters, but imitation rarely works. Elias reminded us that every voice has its own vibration, its own unique footprint. Your job is to enhance what you already have.

Introverts, for example, often excel at deep, one-on-one conversations. That’s a strength, not a weakness. Authenticity builds trust far more than theatrical delivery ever will.

Preparation Meets Adaptability

Yes, preparation matters! But over-preparing can lock you into a script and make you rigid. Elias and I agreed that the magic happens when you know your material well enough to let go and adapt in the moment.

As Jamie Champagne said in a recent IIBA webinar, “your purpose should be fixed, but your methods flexible.”  That’s the sweet spot—holding on to your core intention while giving yourself permission in the moment to adjust the delivery. When you do that, confidence flows and real connection happens.

The Mental Game

Here’s a quote that resonated with me: “Speaking is 95% mental. We will use our voice to do what we wish it to do.” Negative self-talk and mind chatter can derail even the most prepared communicator.

The good news? You can train your mind just like you train your voice. Practise, record, reflect, and give yourself grace. Speaking isn’t a fixed personality trait. Rather, it’s a skill you can develop and improve.

Ready to Find Your Authentic Voice?

This conversation has me rethinking how I talk with stakeholders and the small changes that can make a big difference. Does speaking intimidate you? It shouldn't! You already have the skills to get better.

For more ideas on channeling your inner soprano and using your authentic voice, listen to the full episode now. Then go get your standing ovation.

Explore fresh and candid conversations on a wide array of business analysis topics with the Business Analysis Live podcast.    

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