#101 The Sensuality Of Speaking — Jonathan Bender MS, MFA
Discovering your genuine voice and presenting yourself with confidence can transform not just how you communicate, but how you perceive yourself and connect with others from an audience in public speaking to your beloved on intimacy. Jonathan Bender, a seasoned coach with over 25 years of experience in acting, public speaking, and personal development, shares invaluable insights on how to speak your mind and voice sensual pleasure.
How To Embrace The Sensuality Of Speaking?
Jonathan Bender believes that the art of speaking is not only about communication but also a transformative journey towards self-expression. By embracing The WholeSpeak Method, individuals can embark on a path that enhances their presence, confidence, and ability to connect with others. This holistic approach addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects of voice, offering a comprehensive toolkit for personal and professional growth.
What Stands In The Way Of Authentic Self-Expression?
According to Bender, the primary obstacle is contraction, a metaphorical shrinking of one’s being due to limiting beliefs, trauma, or societal pressures. By identifying and overcoming these barriers, we can open ourselves to a fuller, more genuine mode of expression. This process involves not just learning to speak well but also unlearning the fears and constraints that inhibit our voices.
Why Is Vocal Training More Than Just Learning To Speak Loudly?
Vocal resonance and body alignment play crucial roles in how we are perceived and how we perceive ourselves. Bender’s approach goes beyond the superficial aspects of voice training, delving into the somatic and emotional layers that contribute to a resonant, impactful presence. Through this, individuals can find their true voice, one that reflects their inner self and resonates deeply with their audience.
How Does Voicing Pleasure Differ From Other Forms Of Expression?
Voicing pleasure, or expressing what truly brings us joy and satisfaction, is often overlooked in traditional public speaking training. Bender highlights the importance of connecting with our sensual voice as a pathway to greater aliveness and engagement. This approach not only enriches our speaking experiences but also our daily interactions, enabling a more joyful and authentic way of being.
What Practical Exercises Can Help Unlock The Sensual Voice?
Bender suggests starting with the basics of breath, vowels, and consonants, focusing on the physical and emotional sensations they evoke. By paying attention to the nuances of how each sound feels, speakers can begin to infuse their words with a new depth and vibrancy. This method encourages a mindful, embodied approach to speaking, where every word is an opportunity for connection and expression.
Emotionally Tong Tied?
Shamelessly voice sensual pleasure by paying attention to the nuances of how each sound feels in your flesh. Learn more here on The Sensual Sessions Podcast Episode #101 “How To Voice Sensual Pleasure” with Jonathan Bender, MS, MFA, Expert Public Speaking And Performance Coach, Theatre Creator, Solo Performer and Poet.
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About Jonathan Bender, MS, MFA
Jonathan has held a lifelong dedication to helping growing, self-aware individuals to step into more of who they truly are. To claim their voice. To find their power. To awaken into their true selves, and to shine in the world. He’s spent his whole life devoted to shedding off false layers of self, to help others (and himself!) increasingly become the embodiment of their true selves. In more worldly terms, you’d call this finding confidence, leadership presence, embodiment, and expert communication skills. Internationally recognized as a top expert, Jonathan has coached public speaking and performance since 1996. He regularly works with executives, entrepreneurs and other professionals who want to use their voice to create greater influence and impact, and grow their work in the world. Clients have spoken at TED, SXSW, Wisdom 2.0, countless conferences, and find true expertise speaking both live and virtually. However, it may be useful to know that Jonathan by no means always had confidence and a voice. In his youth, he was shy, introverted and disempowered, with little self-esteem – in fact, bullied regularly for over 10 years, and couldn’t stand up for himself. In high school at the age of 14, two powerful things happened. First, he began a abiding dedication to personal and spiritual growth, looking at what it meant to transcend old personal habits and to step into his true self. Second, Jonathan stumbled upon the Speech and Debate team, and was compelled to compete in public speaking and acting events… and actually did alright! It was a safe way to express himself; soon he began doing theater as well, and directed his first play at the age of 18. He went on to the University of California at Berkeley, where he got his BA in theater and anthropology, and also was a lead competitor on their speech team. Despite receiving little expert coaching in high school and college, he persevered, slowly getting better… until he was one of the top competitive speakers in California by his senior year. Upon graduating, he pursued acting, directing and writing… and kept being asked to coach high school and college speech teams. Despite first saying no for some time, he eventually relented. His students quickly became state champions and national finalists. After years of success, he sought to create more impact in the world, and earned two graduate degrees in a row: a Master of Science in Performance Studies and Speech Communication, followed by a Master of Fine Art in Theater: Contemporary Performance. He trained with luminaries such as Moisés Kaufman, Meredith Monk and the SITI Company, and nationally toured a one-man show among other projects. In 2006, Jonathan founded WholeSpeak, LLC – also known as The Performance of Your Life. He trains and coaches individuals and groups, both in person as well as online. He has also developed bodies of work around connection and presence, both for professional uses as well as for personal and societal transformation. These days, Jonathan lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his beloved wife Vladi and their sweet toddler Matthias. He still does theatre on occasion as his schedule allows, and travels to work with clients nationally and internationally.
Learn more at: https://www.wholespeak.com/
New Here?
Hola, I´m Candia Raquel!
A Mexican sensualist, scientist, artist and woman that hosts The Sensual Sessions Podcast and who enjoys contemplating trees and drinking tea.
Dedicated to helping workaholics (like you) overcome numbness and embody sensuality through somatic movement.
Sense your sensual fire to share the flame!
What´s Next
Go to The Sensual Sessions Podcast Episode #102: The Sensual Magic Of Crystals with Vivien Schapera
Learn more with resources on: Postural Presence Resources
Discover: The Ecstatic Breathing Practice
