Finding Their Voice--
Velling helps clients' communication skills
By Kevin Smith Staff Writer
San Gabriel Valley Tribune
September 11, 2006
Lynne Velling could easily be considered a Renaissance woman.
As the founder and owner of Velling & Associates Communication Training, she helps clients tap into that often elusive quality called charisma.
But Velling is also an English as a Second Language instructor for adults, a public speaker, a non-denominational minister and a contributing author to the book, "Inspiration to Realization, Vol. II, Real Women Reveal Proven Strategies for Personal, Business, Financial and Spiritual Fulfillment," which was published this year.
"I kind of feel that I'm going in an expanding circle," the 57-year-old San Gabriel resident said. "When I was in college I majored in theater because I could be all of those different characters."
Velling opted not to pursue a professional career in theater "because I didn't want to be out there all the time facing possible rejection."
She subsequently moved into the film and TV industries, doing production and voice-over work as well as acting. But that didn't click for her, either.
"From the inside, I saw that the business was fairly crazy," she said. "There is a lot of kiss-up going on and it's very male-dominated."
Around that time, Velling was involved in a car accident on Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Los Angeles that left her with serious back and neck injuries.
But during her recovery--which was long and painful--she stumbled upon a life-changing experience.
"I had been going to a chiropractor for a long time, but one of my co-workers told me about the Healing Light Center Church in Glendale," she said. "The program they offered was in healing arts. I eventually became a student."
Velling credits the non-denominational church with helping her realize that she could put all of her skills to work.
"As we acquire more maturity and experience, we express ourselves differently," she said. "And what I found is that a lot of people have problems finding their own voice in the world."
Velling & Associates Communication Training has helped people in a variety of industries to become more comfortable with themselves and become better public speakers. Velling also holds periodic charisma workshops where she helps clients unlock their charisma potential.
Client Glenn Sakamoto, 42, of Torrance has attended two of Velling's sessions. Sakamoto, who has worked as a graphic designer, said the workshops have been invaluable in helping him transition to a new career in life coaching.
"It was a very powerful experience," Sakamoto said. "It was completely not what I expected but very rewarding from a personal standpoint. She teaches that people have varying degrees of anxiety. But if you can make a connection with one person, you can make a connection on multiple levels with a large group."
Velling is also a facilitator with Speaking Circles® International.
Alyson Kay, a writer and computer graphics artist, said she's gained a lot from having Velling as a speaking coach.
"I've been working with a company, giving presentations on a large real estate project to prospective investors," the 54-year-old Pasadena resident said. "She's given me a lot of confidence. I never could have done this before."
Velling is also supporting Radio Al-Mahaba in Baghdad, Iraq, the only women's talk radio station in the Middle East.
The station is in need of funds to continue operating and to restore a destroyed transmitter. In lieu of a workshop fee, she is asking attendees to make a donation to Radio Al-Mahaba.
kevin.smith@sgvn.com
626.962.8811, Ext. 2701
Expanding your Confidence, Connection & Impact
in Professional and Personal Communication
Lynne Velling is also the author of “Finding Your Own Voice,”
in Inspiration to Realization, Vol. II.
Available for purchase.