A former classical singer is using her vocal skills to teach business executives how to face daunting presentations.
Finola McDermott, from Coventry, started Dynamic Voices at a studio in Coundon Green to give voice coaching to businessmen.
The classical singer was originally planning to become a singing voice coach until she attended a course run by the city-based Women's Business Development Agency.
"I have a business degree and I always wanted to have my own business," said Ms McDermott.
"I have also always been interested in singing and have sung with the Welsh National Opera in Cardiff and Birmingham and am the lead singer of a rock and pop covers band.
"In the beginning I was interested in being a singing voice coach but when I went on the WBDA course it helped me to look at the bigger picture and encouraged me to bring my ideas to life.
"The majority of my clients are executives at large private organisations who are asked to speak in public on a regular basis and realise their voice skills could do with some extra polish.
"We work together in identifying their vocal weaknesses, developing a controlled and charismatic voice for authoritative, confident and highly professional vocal delivery.
"Voice coaching can give you a competitive advantage and it helps you to communicate better with your team, at board meetings and in one-to-one interviews."
Ms McDermott is also head voice coach at Fiery Feet Dance Studio in Leamington Spa and the Warwickshire-based Teen Idol project.
Jane Hill of WBDA - one of Business Link West Midlands' specialist enterprise support providers - said Ms McDermott was already planning to expand her business.
"She has a tremendous drive to succeed and she uses contemporary music to help people improve their vocal skills."
