Listen to the Voice Masterclass podcast here

Elizabeth Kuhnke purses her lips together and clicks her tongue behind her teeth. Hands cupped in her lap in the “power position” - the back of one hand resting against the palm of the other - she lowers her voice and purrs, “Rrrrred leather, black leather. Red leather, yellow leather.” It sounds as though she is giving a dominatrix masterclass. The reality is not a million miles away. She is drilling me in how to talk with authority, using techniques that she has been showing leaders in business for seven years.

Worried your voice betrays your insecurity? That proximity to a PowerPoint projector makes you fumble for your words? You are not alone. According to Kuhnke, many of the women she coaches are concerned that the way they speak betrays their nerves, whether they are company CEOs or PAs at City firms. Her classes groom people in how to create a strong “brand image”, and to project steel-plated self-confidence. “Be yourself at your best!” she exclaims, joyfully. “Remember how special you are!”

Kuhnke is giving a talk called Your Voice: The Power Behind Your Message at the inaugural Leadership Boot Camp on Wednesday July 4, hosted by everywoman, a company providing training, resources and support for women in business. Mantras such as “You are a gift!” can feel embarrassingly like self-help speak to British women - she is both theatrically-trained and, surprise surprise, American - but Kuhnke is clearly on to something. After five minutes in her company, you can’t help feeling as though you have just met the most inspirational woman alive - although, really, you’d be disappointed with anything less from an “image expert”. And the tips are easy. Whether you have a tendency to gabble, or trail off into embarassed silence at the end of sentences, there are mental tricks that can help.

The most important thing, Kuhnke says, is to stand proud when speaking in front of a group, with your weight evenly distributed on both feet. This will help you to “claim your space”. Push your shoulders back, and open your chest “like a well-loved book”. Don’t hunch or cross your arms.

Visualise yourself when you’ve been at your best in a professional environment. What did that feel like? What is going on around you? Finally, always dress appropriately - muffin tops and hipsters are out - and never, ever forget a slick of lipstick. “I believe women who wear make-up do better in business,” she says. Listen to Elizabeth Kuhnke’s podcast here

Elizabeth Kuhnke’s five tips to give your image an instant lift:

1. Smile. When you smile, you feel good, and others around you will feel good. Positive energy flows.

2. Remember a time when you felt at your best. If you start to get nervous during a meeting or presentation, let that image briefly flash through your mind.

3. Claim your space. If you are standing up, have you weight evenly distributed on both legs, with your knees under your hips, under your shoulders. If you are sitting down, keep your back straight and your head slightly forward, so you look engaged. Fold your hands in front of you, but don’t clench them. You don’t want white knuckles.

4. Warm up before a speech or presentation.

5. Dress the part. High heels always help a woman’s confidence, as does good hair, smart accessories and subtle make-up.

The inaugural everywoman’s Leadership Boot Camp - intensive training to develop the leader in you - is at the Congress Centre, London, Wednesday July 4. For more information visit www.everywoman.co.uk or call 0870 746 1800.

Explore Women

• Fashion

• Beauty

• Diet & Fitness

• Relationships

• Families

• Celebrity

• The Way We Live

• Horoscopes

Times recommends

• Live chat: Thrifty ways to update your winter wardrobe
• Is anybody out there really listening?
• Nutrition Q&A: Will eating late make me fat?