Meet Lindsay Carretero | Voice and Speech Coach

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lindsay Carretero and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lindsay, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
I started my own business out of necessity and I’m so glad I did! With the career path I chose, there was no clear route for me in terms of joining a pre-established company. (Not in South Florida anyway…) I have a Master of Fine Arts in Voice Studies from London University’s Central School for Speech and Drama. I coach people who use their speaking voice – and that could be anyone! From actors, to lawyers, to teachers or the head of your local book club, I coach anyone who wants to use their voice for communication.

Public Speaking is said to be the number one fear above traveling in airplanes and being bit by a shark. I understand that fear because I was once in that boat. Growing up as an Actor, I was given a script, told to memorize that script, practiced that script with a director who gave me feedback numerous times and performed that final product. But when it came to Public Speaking, I was terrified. After years of trial and error and obtaining my Masters in Voice Studies, I realize Public Speaking isn’t all that different and I love to share my work with others. My goal is always to make my clients feel confident and empowered when speaking in front of others. We cover topics such as alignment, breath support, warm-ups, projection, interview prep, presentation skills, accent reduction, text work for actors and communication skills.

Having good communication skills in order to connect with others impacts every aspect of our lives – physical, mental and emotional. Yes, the art of connecting requires sharing similar interests and experiences but it also requires listening and good verbal skills. The first thing I enjoy doing with clients is getting to know them through honest and authentic conversation, helping them communicate from the heart. We all have had a lifetime of experience with and feelings about our voices. So, tell me, what’s your relationship to your voice?

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
My mission is to give clients a foundation for effective vocal communication and use this essential component in all areas of life. So much of life is about the connection we have to the people. We are extremely lucky to have such a delicate and complex instrument as our voice to make those connections and communicate. Following the work of Iris Warren, a pioneer in the voice world, I encourage clients to forget how they sound and focus in on how they feel when they’re speaking. Through a series of tools including imagination, relaxation, exploration and preparation, YOUR voice and YOUR essence will come to life. Think about it…When you hear the truth you know it, you feel it, you accept it.

Introducing voice work to business professionals and those looking for personal growth with their voice has not been easy as it is sometimes hard for people to understand what I do. However, I am proud of the fact that my business is so unique in the South Florida area. There’s no one (that I know of at least) that does what I do. Luckily, my work has begun to make a name for itself and little by little the word continues to spread. And although I am located in the Jupiter area, thanks to all of the opportunities available through sites like Zoom, I am able to grow beyond the South Florida area and work with people anywhere in the world. If you’re looking to get in touch with your voice for professional, performance or personal purposes, I am happy to help. You are enough; you already have all the tools within you. We just have to access them.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of the very coolest things about the greater West Palm Beach area is the Jupiter Lighthouse. I would plan a trip to the Lighthouse Museum followed by climbing to the top. There’s nothing quite like the view of the inlet on a beautifully sunny South Florida day. After that, I would plan a meal at U-Tiki across the water for a different perspective of the Lighthouse and an enjoyable variety of seafood. Other items I would add to the itinerary would be: a hike through Riverbend Park, a day on the beach at Carlin Park, an improv show at Bob Carter’s Actor’s Repertory Theatre, a meal at Josco Bar & Oven, a beer at Tequesta Brewing Company and depending on where they are from, a day trip to Disney World also might be in store.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I have been lucky enough to be surrounded by so many people and organizations that have supported my journey. I’d like to thank ArtStage Performing Arts Center in Jupiter, FL for a solid foundation and invaluable experiences performing. Attending Bak Middle School of the Arts and Dreyfoos High School of the Arts also helped to further focus my path in the arts. However, I would like to dedicate this shoutout to Debra Hale, former Voice Professor with the School of Theatre at Florida State University. She opened me to the work of Kristin Linklater and it forever changed me as an actor and human being. So much so that I decided to make voice work my career. So, thank you Deb and enjoy your retirement!

Website: https://www.pointblancvoice.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pointblancvoice/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-carretero-1b86a88/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PointBlancVoice