Think Fast Talk Smart: Communication Techniques

Episode 262 – "Own the Room: How Voice, Breath, and Body Work Together"

Host: Matt Abrahams
Guest: Patsy Rodenberg
Date: February 9, 2026

Episode Overview

In this action-packed episode, host Matt Abrahams sits down with legendary voice and presence coach Patsy Rodenberg to explore how your voice, breath, and body work together to unlock authentic, compelling communication. With decades coaching top actors, CEOs, and leaders worldwide, Patsy shares her celebrated practical methods to help anyone develop powerful presence, vocal clarity, and confidence—whether for presentations, tough conversations, or simply connecting with others. The conversation is rich with exercises, actionable advice, and memorable stories about the transformative role of the body and breath in owning the room.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

The Lost Art of Voice – Rediscovering Natural Power

• Patsy: “The good news is the vast majority of people are born with amazing voices, and somewhere along the line, they lose them. My job is to return people to their full power in their body, in their breath systems, in their voices...” (03:10)
• Communication starts deep within the body; embody your voice by reconnecting with physical sensations, beginning with the feet and moving upward.

Foundations of Physical and Vocal Preparation

• Body Alignment:
  • Check tension starting with feet, knees (shouldn’t be locked), through hips and pelvis (should be right above hips for deep, effective breathing).
  • Posture: Upright and relaxed, not braced or slumped.
  • Shoulders and jaw should be relaxed, as tension here restricts breath and vocal range. (03:52–05:57)
• Breathing:
  • Breathe from low in the abdomen to support voice; avoid upper chest tension and shallow breaths, especially when nervous.
  • “We get frightened when we speak because we forget to breathe.” (04:21)
• Practical Activity:
  • Feel rooted: Place both feet on the ground, press your hands to a table, and notice breath deepening as you speak. (06:02–06:32)

Reading Aloud & Body-based Warm-Ups

• Read Aloud:
  • Reading out loud (preferably standing, holding book at eye level) frees cognitive resources to focus on breathing and vocal energy.
  • Hold the book in one hand, gently push against a wall/table with the other, and direct voice “just above eyeline” to help project. (07:13–07:57)
• Daily Vocal Warm-Ups:
  • Stretch side to side and hug yourself, then breathe deeply to open ribs and back.
  • Practice humming (“ma, ma, ma...”) and buzzing lips to bring voice forward, away from the throat and into the face.
  • "Most voices I meet, there's nothing wrong with them... They're just rusty and dusty. They're not used." (07:58)
  • Visualization: Imagine your voice as a gift you’re sending outward, not holding back. (08:52–11:23)

The Chain: Body → Breath → Voice → Speech

• Speech is the “last thing in the chain”—don’t skip directly to it. Only after body and breath are ready can you produce clear, compelling speech. (11:23)

Three Circles of Presence

• First Circle:
  • Withdrawn, self-conscious, under-energized (body pulled back, downcast eyes, shallow breathing).
• Second Circle (Optimal):
  • Fully present, outward-focused, connected to others. Readiness and willingness to engage.
  • “The most powerful thing we can do in communication is stay present with somebody.” (12:06–15:12)
• Third Circle:
  • Overly dominant, blustering, taking up too much space, disconnected from others, projecting superiority.
• Key Insight:
  • “It starts with awareness… Once you have that awareness, you can move.” (15:12–15:39)
  • Generosity and curiosity are core to true presence; when present, we have exchanges—not just broadcasts.

Using Physical Space to Enhance Communication

• The physical environment directly affects communication:
  • “You have to be aware of their space and your space... The leader who allows everyone their space... is a very good leader.” (16:29–17:45)
• Stagecraft: Make sure everyone can see you, avoid physical barriers, foster equality via space utilization.
• Encroaching or withdrawing physically signals psychological states: inferiority or superiority, respectively.
• Example:
  • Matt describes a CEO leaving the stage to speak directly to employees with difficult news, creating authenticity and human connection. (18:24–19:13)

Practical Takeaways & Exercises

Daily Presence Practices

• Check your body: Relax your knees, release shoulders and jaw.
• Breathe low and slow from abdomen, not chest.
• Warm up with gentle stretches and vocal exercises (hum, “ma,” buzzed lips, “ooh” sounds).

In the Moment Strategies

• Before speaking, ground your feet, take a slow, deep breath, and make eye contact.
• If nervous, pause to breathe and connect with your audience rather than rushing.
• Refocus on generosity—care about your audience’s understanding more than your performance.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

Patsy Rodenberg:

• “We are our voice and we meet the person, but the voice they bring... Most voices I meet, there’s nothing wrong with them. They’re just rusty and dusty. They’re not used.” (07:58)
• “Presence is an outward focus, not on yourself, but to something else. And it’s what we do... when we walk in the countryside, we become present because we look at a tree or a bird in a tree. That’s what art is supposed to do.” (12:06)
• “The most powerful, powerful thing we can do in communication is stay present with somebody... You can’t ever say anything important to somebody unless you’re present and they’re present.” (14:10)
• On nerves: “You can’t get rid of the nerves, but the nerves don’t become debilitating.” (21:07)
• “Michelle Obama comes to mind. She takes her time, she’s listening, she’s with you, she’s with the audience and she’s not frightened of being disliked.” (22:46)
• Communication recipe: “Prepare in an embodied way. Practice it knowing that it won’t be verbatim practice. And again, it’s the curiosity and the generosity that you bring into the space.” (23:08)

Matt Abrahams:

• “In my mind I’m amazingly eloquent, but when I open up my mouth, I’m not as lucky.” (07:58)
• On CEOs using space: “...he stepped off the stage and walked into the audience... there was a connection that happened in that moment.” (18:24)

Important Timestamps

• 03:10 – Foundational principles of voice and embodiment
• 03:52–06:02 – Description of body-centered vocal technique and breath
• 07:13–07:57 – Reading aloud as a vocal exercise
• 08:52–11:23 – Warm-ups, visualization, and daily practice
• 12:06–15:12 – The three circles of presence
• 16:29–18:24 – Using space and stagecraft in communication
• 21:07–22:34 – Patsy’s tips for managing communication anxiety
• 22:46 – Communicator Patsy admires: Michelle Obama
• 23:08 – Three key ingredients for communication

Episode Conclusion

Patsy Rodenberg’s expertise shines as she reveals how anyone—regardless of experience or self-judgment—can harness the synergy of body, breath, and voice to “own the room.” Her timeless advice: be present in your body, practice generosity and curiosity, and give your voice as a gift to others. Whether you're stepping onto a stage or navigating daily life, true presence and vocal freedom are available with awareness, practice, and authentic connection.

Listen to unlock your own communication potential, one breath and one moment at a time.