#284: Singing: A Secret Weapon for Confident Communication – Jillian Mitchell

The Toastmasters Podcast with Greg Gazin

The Toastmasters Podcast is like a radio talk show featuring interviews with Toastmasters usually featured in the Toastmaster magazine. The purpose of the podcast is to amplify the magazine - to dig deeper or to put a voice to a face or written wordBut unlike a radio show, a podcast is on the Internet, and available, for free, to anyone in the world with an Internet connection, and a connected device capable of playing audio. 260+ episodes are at ToastmastersPodcast.comThe Toastmasters Podcast is co-produced by Toastmasters International and Archieboy Holdings, LLC, for our global audience of Toastmasters and those interested in public speaking and leadership.

[39:37] What do singing and public speaking have in common? According to Jillian Mitchell, more than you might think. In this fun and hands on episode, host Greg Gazin chats with Jill about why singing isn’t just for performers—it’s a secret weapon for confident communication. A professional singer, recording artist, and vocal coach with nearly 20 years of experience, Jill explains how singing strengthens your voice, sharpens articulation, improves pitch, and builds stamina. More than mechanics, she reveals how singing taps into the emotional side of the voice, helping speakers connect with authenticity and presence.

In this educational and entertaining episode, You’ll also learn how music affects the brain, how playlists can calm nerves or boost energy before a presentation, and why Jillian believes that anyone—not just trained singers—can improve his or her speaking, presentation, and delivery skills from practising and learning how to sing out loud. 

Jill also offers 5 benefits of how singing can also improve our everyday converations.

Jill puts Greg in the hot seat as her student, guiding him (and listeners) through fun, hands-on vocal exercises you can try at home. 

Listen now and discover:

• How singing builds vocal strength and confidence
• Exercises you can use to improve breath, pitch, and clarity
• Ways to prevent vocal fatigue and boost stamina
• How music influences mood, nerves, and presence
• Why singing daily—even in the shower—can transform your speaking voice

Jill’s article Sing It Loud, Speak It Clear: Why singing is the secret weapon for confident communication, appears in the Oct 2025 issue of the  Toastmaster Magazine.

About Jillian Mitchell

Jillian Mitchell is a recording artist, vocal coach, and voice advocate. She has performed alongside music legends including Trooper and Rik Emmett of Triumph and is the founder of Voxsana, a vocal method now expanded to an online platform dedicated to voice empowerment. A regular contributor to Toastmasters Magazine and a speaker coach for TEDx Royal Roads University, she is currently working on her first book, The Singer’s Survival Guide. 

Jill lives in Victoria, British Columbia, with her husband Sean—her partner in the pop-rock duo Echo Drop—and their two children. You can reach her at Voxsana.co.

Jill was previously featured on the Toastmasters Podcast in Episode 226: Tone Up Your Voice. 

For yet another way to use your voice, check out Episode 283: Storytelling & Presentation Tips through Audio Book Narration – Karen Merritt.