
Season 9 Episode #11. You Know Your Stuff But Do You Sound Like It?
Windermere Ask a Coach | "How You Sound Is How You Sell"About the HostMichael Fanning is SVP and Co-Owner of Windermere Coaching with 29 years in the Windermere ecosystem and a background as a former Master Ninja Selling Instructor.Episode OverviewTwo agents. Same experience. Same presentation. Completely different results. The difference isn't what they said it's how they said it. Michael breaks down the five vocal habits quietly costing agents listings and delivers a practical five-step game plan for building real vocal confidence.FAQQ: Why does articulation matter more than my script?Your words are only 7% of how your message is received. Tone of voice accounts for 38%. The preparation most agents spend 90% of their time on drives only 7% of the impression they make. Articulation training closes the gap between what you intend to communicate and what your client actually receives.Q: What is upspeak and why does it hurt me?Upspeak is when your voice rises at the end of a statement, turning declarations into questions. It signals a request for approval rather than confidence. Leaders speak in periods, not question marks when your voice comes down, it registers as conviction.Q: How do I stop using filler words?When you feel an "um," "like," or "basically" coming, close your mouth, breathe, and let there be one second of silence. To the listener, that pause reads as thoughtfulness and confidence not hesitation.Q: What is hedging language?Stacking qualifiers like "maybe," "might," "potentially," and "I think" strips all authority from your recommendation. Compare: "I'm not sure, but the market might potentially suggest a more aggressive price" versus "Based on what the market is showing us, I'm recommending we come in at a price that positions you to move. Here's why." Same information. Completely different authority.Q: What's the fix for speaking too fast?Slow down at key moments. In drumming there's a concept called playing in the pocket not rushing, not dragging, sitting right in the groove. That's what your clients need from you. Find your pocket.Q: What does "trailing off" cost me?The end of your sentence is where your recommendation lands. When your energy drops on the last few words, the meaning disappears. Your last word should carry the same conviction as your first.Q: What's the five-step game plan?Record yourself doing a two-minute value proposition listen for confidence, not contentReplace every filler word with one second of silencePractice ending sentences with full energy all the way to the last wordVary your pace slow down on the most important words, speed up for enthusiasmMatch your tone to your message energy for good news, steady and grounded for difficult conversationsReach out at fanning@windermere.com. Share this episode if it resonated.Be awesome, help somebody, and make it a great day.




