Finding Our Voice (Literally!) at Voicework in Action

Ideas aren’t just meant to be seen, they’re meant to be heard.

Whether we’re pitching to clients, presenting wild campaign concepts, or tossing ideas across the room, how we sound can change how our ideas land. That’s why we decided it was time to give our voices a little attention, and maybe a good stretch too.

The Mad Hat crew recently joined Voicework in Action, a hands-on session led by actor and voice coach Qahar Aqilah, and let’s just say… we discovered a whole new side to our voices.

Held at our office, the workshop had us stretching, breathing, projecting, and occasionally laughing at ourselves, as we learned how to really use our voices. Qahar guided us through vocal and physical exercises that pushed us to let go of tension, express emotion, and tap into the connection between movement, breath, and sound.

Then came the fun part: we each got an assignment to recite either song lyrics or a poem, incorporating all the techniques we’d just learned. Suddenly, familiar words felt brand new, more alive, more intentional, and definitely more dramatic (in the best way possible). Watching everyone bring their own spin to their chosen piece was a mix of inspiring and hilarious, from soulful serenades to over-the-top dramatic monologues.

🎤 See how it went down: Check out the highlights on our Instagram. 

We then dived into quick improv rounds, where thinking on your feet met vocal expression. No scripts, no overthinking, just raw, playful communication and a whole lot of laughter.

By the end, we walked away with more than just warm-up tricks. We left with a reminder that the voice isn’t just something we use, it’s something we express through.

What really clicked for us was how these tools go beyond the stage. The same techniques that actors use, projection, breath control, and intention, can transform everyday work moments too. Think: presentations that land better, client pitches that sound more confident, or team meetings where your ideas actually carry weight.

A big shoutout to Qahar Aqilah for leading us through an afternoon of laughter, learning, and a whole lot of lung power. Here’s to more workshops that make us sound (and feel) like our most confident, creative selves.