Joan Baker Interviews Denise Woods:
Hollywood’s Top Voice Coach Launches The Woods Institute
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Interview by Joan Baker, March 2, 2025
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Okay, people, get ready to step inside the world of the trailblazing and downright fabulous Denise Woods.
Denise and I go way back. At the time, I was looking to level up my voice acting craft. My boyfriend (now husband) was a writer and director who worked with the voice actors for ABC News, Good Morning America, and all the big magazine shows. He thought it would be a great idea for both of us to get some expert guidance, so he reached out to Juilliard’s theatre program. And that was when I first heard Denise’s name.
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We had a brief introductory call where we talked about my work as a voice actor and my goals for working with her. At one point, I asked, fully expecting to be praised for my standard American speech, if I had any sort of regionalism in my speech. Instead, I heard a soft chuckle.
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“Oh, my dear, yes, you do. Are you from Northern California?”
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My jaw dropped. Not just California. Northern California. As if she could pinpoint the exact neighborhood I grew up in. And this was long before Google and AI could help.
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My time studying with Denise at Juilliard was one of the most transformative experiences of my life. And it was not just about classroom learning. It was the friendship, the mentorship, and the bond we formed that led us to this interview nearly 30 years later.
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Over the years, Denise has perfected her craft as an actor, voice actor, and master teacher. And when I say master, I do not use that word lightly. I hope this interview gives you a meaningful glimpse into her awe-inspiring, humbling, and exhilarating way of being.
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Joan: Denise, what inspired you to expand from one-on-one coaching as Hollywood’s go-to dialect coach to launching The Woods Institute?
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Denise: In 2012, I transformed my private voice practice and onset coaching into a full-time career. After serving on the faculty of two of the most prestigious arts institutions in the nation for over twenty years, it became clear that I needed to venture into an environment that not only satisfied my love for teaching but also fulfilled my passion for storytelling. Immersing myself in the world of filmmaking opened my eyes to the artistry and excellence involved in the craft; the process of bringing a story to life captivated me. This passion for storytelling, coupled with my love for voice and speech, prompted me to write my book, The Power of Voice, which subsequently propelled me onto a global stage. I then invited twelve emerging voice and speech professionals to train with me, evolving our training into a think tank for these teaching artists from which The Woods Institute was founded. It became the ideal place to build a voice and speech community, harness the talent of a new generation of voice professionals, and share my methodology with the world.
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Joan: The work you’ve been doing for years in the creative world is legendary. How do you plan to bring that magic to the corporate world, and what is the driving force behind this shift?
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Denise: The climate in which we currently live is the primary reason for my professional pivot toward the corporate world. The fragility of life compels me to empower people with one crucial tool: their voice. However, vocal power begins with another essential power, the power of listening. Empathy and compassion are our superpowers. If we fail to listen, our voices descend into mere noise. My goal is to equip individuals in corporate environments with the tools I’ve applied in Hollywood for decades: the ability to listen, articulate, and express their authentic selves without fear. By cultivating a culture of collective productivity through active listening and respecting authentic voices, we can create a more cohesive and effective workplace, one that genuinely embodies the company’s ethos and ideology.
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Joan: One thing that became clear to me from reading your book, ‘The Power of Voice,’ is that empowering the voice begins with empowering one’s emotional and psychological state of mind. What’s the heart and soul of your teaching philosophy?
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Denise: My teaching philosophy is grounded in three core principles: imagination, heart (or soul), and spirit. Imagination allows us to visualize and create; our heart and soul enrich this imagination with empathy and emotion. Finally, our spirit connects us to those who paved the way for us, as well as our intuition. When clients arrive at my practice feeling empty or lacking confidence, often grappling with imposter syndrome, these core principles empower them to find their voices. Acknowledging the journey that brought us to this moment replaces fear with gratitude, enabling us to express our truths more effectively.
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Joan: You’ve worked with Oscar-winning, Emmy-winning, Golden Globe-winning, Tony-winning actors; Mahershala Ali, Portia de Rossi, Halle Berry, Amber Heard, Will Smith, Jessica Chastain, Ellen Burstyn, Idris Elba, Mike Myers, Don Cheadle, Jeanne Tripplehorn, Anthony Mackie, and I’m just warming up. How do the techniques that you successfully applied with them translate to CEOs, executives, and everyday professionals?
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Denise: The essence of my work with both actors and corporate professionals revolves around storytelling. For instance, when working with CEOs in finance, I emphasize uncovering the narrative within the numbers. Similarly, in the tech industry, professionals must humanize extremely complex subjects. Storytelling transcends socio-economic, cultural, and demographic boundaries; it fosters trust and authentic connections, especially when people can relate to shared experiences. By humanizing numerical data and dense information through storytelling, we can conquer trepidation and create a dynamic workplace where effective communication thrives.
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Joan: This is a two-part question: What motivates the typical corporate client to reach out to you for voice training, and what do you find is the biggest struggle people have with their voices, whether they’re actors, leaders, or just trying to make an impact in their everyday lives?
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Denise: Typically, corporate clients turn to me during critical junctures, often fearing that their jobs are at risk due to ineffective communication. This urgency drives them to fully commit to the training, recognizing that improving their expression can enhance team collaboration. Their primary struggle is often fear, fear of judgment, failure, or losing their jobs. Or a struggle with habits that no longer serve them. To combat this, I encourage them to shift their focus from themselves to the story they want to convey. With my specific methodology, any story can become a compelling narrative. Personal fears diminish when the emphasis is placed on the story rather than on themselves.
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Joan: Give me one of your most memorable success stories; someone who walked into your training feeling some kind of way and walked out transformed.
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Denise: One memorable success story involves a Hollywood client who entered my office feeling apprehensive and left feeling completely transformed. During our initial session, we established a rare and immediate spiritual connection, exchanging stories as though we had known each other for years. Unbeknownst to us at the time, we fostered a deep bond. He even postponed other appointments to prioritize our time together. At the end of the session, he requested to pray with me, which culminated in a profound moment of familiarity. Today, we remain integral parts of each other’s lives, illustrating the reciprocal nature of transformation; both the client and coach were profoundly affected by a shared moment of vulnerability and trust. That client, friend and bonus son was Academy Award and Golden Globe Award winner, Common.
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Joan: Your book, The Power of Voice, is itself a vehicle for transformation, and I marveled at how you were able to flow between clients with varied origin-stories. If people take just one thing from it, what do you hope it is?
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Denise: Many individuals feel trapped in their current situations and struggle to explore their unique and authentic selves. My hope is that readers recognize the importance of starting where they are and actively seeking support from mentors and relevant literature, such as my own. By discovering the power of their voice both literally and figuratively, they can break free from stagnation and embrace genuine transformation. My wish is for them to learn the importance of becoming unstuck and embracing their individuality.
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Joan: We talk about confidence all the time, but what’s the secret sauce, so to speak, to truly own one’s voice, and what does that mean to you?
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Denise: True confidence begins when we redirect our focus from ourselves and place it on the narrative. When we understand that the story is the star, we can let go of self-doubt and embrace our roles as storytellers, as though we are characters within the narrative. Authenticity emerges as we share personal experiences and foster a sense of community with our listeners. A connection to story and to one another builds confidence and helps shape an authentic voice, an environment where shared vulnerabilities transform into collective strength.
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Joan: So many people get nervous speaking in front of a crowd. What’s the first thing they should do to shake that fear?
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Denise: My practice is based on a five-step approach to public speaking: relaxation, breath, voice, articulation, and communication. The first two steps form the foundation for the rest. Before uttering a single word, one must grasp the critical importance of relaxation techniques and breath control. During my training as an actress at Juilliard, we spent the first two months of voice class focusing solely on relaxation and breath, which laid the groundwork for vocal expression. Establishing daily practice, whether it be yoga, meditation, or specialized breathing exercises, is vital for overcoming nerves and fear. It’s not just about preparing for an upcoming speech or presentation; a daily, intentional practice of relaxation and breathing equips you to remain calm under life’s pressures.
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Joan: You’ve had an astounding career thus far, and the founding of The Woods Institute is primed to be another extraordinary chapter that will be touching souls for many years to come. What’s been the most rewarding moment for you so far?
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Denise: Some of the most rewarding moments have included a CEO from Delhi reaching out after discovering my book, a global research analyst finding my book in a bookstore in Brunei, and an American voice teacher now teaching in the UAE inviting me to conduct workshops at their conservatory. The realization of the worldwide impact of my work inspires me to continue creating content and programs that encourage transformation for generations to come.
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Joan: Of all the extraordinary talents and stars you’ve worked with, and this is not a comparison of questions, who left as big an impact on you as you did on them, and why?
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Denise: Several individuals have left a lasting impact on me, but Halle Berry stands out. She not only welcomed me into her circle but also continually advocates for me, emphasizing the importance of true belonging. Our work together is special, filled with deep connections and shared stories. Halle embodies the spirit of camaraderie and collaboration, helping to create a safe space for everyone to thrive. She truly exemplifies the essence of sisterhood!
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Joan: Will the future of The Woods Institute also train teachers in your technique, and will it include other techniques you believe complimentary to a well-rounded program?
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Denise: Fortunately, The Woods Institute is fully staffed with my original team of coaching experts. I am currently focused on maintaining a boutique approach to the institute to ensure personalized experience for each client. My vision involves incorporating various aspects of voice training, such as singing, healthy vocal practices, and physical awareness as it relates to voice, in collaboration with specialists in these relevant fields. We celebrate a community centered on the global intersection of artistic and professional performance and personal expression, ensuring that every uttered sound is valued, and every unspoken voice is heard.
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Joan: Okay, have you got an application on you? Where can I sign up?
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Denise: The Woods Institute officially launches late spring, early summer. In the meantime, stay tuned to our social media announcements. We want you to be aware that we are here and ready to meet all your artistic and corporate needs.
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Joan: Well, sister, it’s been wonderful talking with you, and I couldn’t be more excited about The Woods Institute. Thank you for being here and for taking the time to do this interview.
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Denise: It was my pleasure, Joan. Thank you for having me.
Joan: For readers who want to learn more about The Woods Institute, please visit this link: The Woods Institute. ♦♦♦
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Joan Baker is the co-founder and VP of the Society Of Voice Arts And Sciences™ (SOVAS™), an award-winning voice actor, producer, and author of Secrets of Voiceover Success. She pioneered the Voice Acting Department as an adjunct professor at the Hartt School, University of Hartford, and serves as a judge for the Daytime Emmy Awards. Joan, along with her partner, Rudy Gaskins, is the co-creator behind That’s Voiceover!™ Career Expo and the Voice Arts® Awards, celebrated as “The Oscars® of Voice Acting.” Her work champions transformation and excellence in the voice arts industry.
From the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences – A Chance to Make History
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