About
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Welcome to How to Have Presence

 The do-it-yourself online course to help you gain confidence and charisma in conversation, on camera, and in front of a crowd. Become your most radiant, present self in your career and in your relationships. 

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As a kid, I was constantly moving and making sound.

I loved watching Disney movies and singing along.

I loved going to dance class where I got to leap through the air and throw rainbow scarves.

I loved music time at synagogue where we would sing in unison and in rounds.

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This course has been a joy to share, and the confidence and transformation I've seen hundreds of students experience as they move through it has been remarkable. I hope you'll take advantage of diving in, it's your last chance! xo, Elissa

Does your presence shine?

Hi, I'm Elissa! I created this online course because I want you to know that everyone has presence.

 

What is presence anyway?

 

It’s that state of being fully aware of your own internal experience and the outside world all at the same time. It’s that feeling you get when you can express yourself in the moment, instead of later in the shower. Basically, it's when your intentions and impulses match what you say with your voice and body. And everyone has the capacity to do that!

I want in on this class

“The tools I learned in How To Have Presence taught me to stand there, in that moment where I would have previously felt uncomfortable and awkward, and to instead allow the fear and anxiety to wash away as I settled into the present moment. Today is not the time to be silent, and I credit Elissa with helping me find my voice when I didn't even know I had one.”

- Katie Schloss, Designer, Storyteller, Licensor

"Elissa's How To Have Presence course is engaging, beneficial, and fun. Thoughtfully structured, each lesson extended my knowledge. Simple homework assignments anchored the material and improved my skill. By the end of the course, I had a new (and much better) understanding of how to work with my voice. Highly recommended."

- Mike Gibson, Business Executive

"The How To Have Presence course was profound. Elissa’s instruction both helped connect me to my body so that I understood the physical dynamics of voice, while also connecting what I understand and teach about yoga and spirituality, so it took on such deep meaning for me. The experience was nothing like I could have ever expected but more than I could have ever hoped. I learned new habits that I’m still integrating."

- Jen Netherby, Yoga Teacher

"The How To Have Presence course with Elissa took me into a completely different and wonderful world of communication and speech technique. I learned a huge amount about presence and voice range, and have immediately put the work to use. Elissa has a lovely positive energy and is extremely encouraging."

- Tom Broome, Business Executive

How To Have Presence is for you if you are struggling to put yourself out there….

On camera

You want to sparkle like Oprah, but...

  • You can’t stand the way you look or sound in recordings
  • You have trouble feeling authentic
  • You’re avoiding it altogether and standing in the way of reaching the audience you can serve

In presentations

You want to be a boss like Brené, but...

  • The thought of public speaking terrifies you
  • You don’t feel like you really know how to land your message
  • Your nerves get the best of you

In conversation

You want to be chill like Bill & Steve, but...

  • You struggle to communicate effectively 
  • You don’t even know what the “real you” sounds like
  • You feel you are holding back and have more potential

The ability to light up a room is not reserved for a select few.

You may have tried power poses, increasing your volume, or telling
yourself to “be confident," and none of it has really stuck. I get it. 
I created this course as a solution to address the real issues:
mindset and nervous system reprogramming.

There's no band-aid for this stuff. The content in this class will help you dig deeper and get to the root of your struggles so you can access your presence, even when the pressure is on.

I want in on this class

My goal became Broadway, and I was consumed. Year after year, I was in classes all day, and rehearsals all night. I played the lead in shows, and I got solos in choir. I was on track.

Until, the day I lost my voice

It was my senior year at the University of Southern California, and my a cappella group was headed to the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella. (Sounds like Pitch Perfect, right?) We had a three song set, and the final song was my solo, “What A Feeling” from Flashdance. 

We were on a weekend retreat, and we were rehearsing non-stop. It was starting to hurt to scream-belt the song over and over, but I couldn’t let everyone down. And I had to be cool, so I was drinking at night.

 This is the public speaking class you wish you'd had!

As you work through the class with Elissa, you will learn how to:

  • Sound like yourself

  • Rock your presentations and performances

  • Communicate with confidence and ease

  • Activate your inner presence!

The Course Structure

The Modules 

There are seven pre-recorded course modules, and your homework will be to watch one each week. Each module video is short (approximately 10–20 minutes long) and explains a key concept. The topics in order are: HABITS, PRESENCE, NERVES, EMBODIMENT, VOICE, MESSAGE, and MEMORIZATION.

Exercises & Homework

Each module is accompanied by a fun homework assignment and two short exercise videos so you can put everything you're learning into action. In our Facebook group, you can also share your homework, ask questions, engage with others in the class, and get personalized feedback from Elissa.

Your Own Pace

Most students do the course in seven weeks, working along with the weekly reminder emails. At that pace, you can expect to spend about an hour per week on class videos, exercises, and assignments. But feel free to speed ahead or take as long as you need... you can keep the course as long as there's internet. We will never take the videos away from you!

MEET Elissa

Elissa Weinzimmer is an award-winning vocal health educator, presence coach, and the founder of Voice Body Connection. After suddenly losing her own voice at age 21, Elissa began studying the mechanics of voice. Over time she developed a unique, concrete approach that empowers performers, leaders, and speakers to optimize their voices and share them more authentically. Elissa's clients include Broadway stars, television personalities, politicians, and CEOs.

She has led workshops for WeWork, Equinox, Microsoft, eBay, Instacart, and more, and has been featured in Thrive Global, Healthline, SheKnows, Adweek, and Kajabi. Elissa earned her MFA in Theatre Voice Pedagogy from the University of Alberta. Her teaching also draws upon her extensive training in Fitzmaurice Voicework®️, Hatha yoga, and Body-Mind Centering®️. Elissa is based in New York City, and is currently working on her first book.

SUCCESS stories

 READY TO DIVE IN?

Join now for $299! 

I want in on this class

 See you in class!

xo,