Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/1120507
34 Not everyone in Winnipeg has met Monique LaCoste – but chances are, they've all heard her voice. The local communications expert is well known for her voiceover and hosting skills, around the province and beyond. Hers is the recorded voice you'll hear when you call Manitoba Hydro. Her voice will regale you with stories about the replica merchant ship in the Nonsuch Gallery at the Manitoba Museum. And she's the one you'll hear telling you the Assiniboine Park Zoo will be closing in 30 minutes. "My voice is probably more familiar than people realize," says LaCoste, a former radio and TV announcer with Radio-Canada Manitoba (the French arm of the CBC) and, later, a communications director for several local non-profits. These days, LaCoste lends her voice to helping people and organizations find theirs, with her company, Monique LaCoste Communications. "I'm passionate about helping people inspire their audience to action through the power of speech. My voice is my main tool, and I use that tool to help people get their message out." LaCoste has taken stages across Manitoba, Canada and internationally, as an event meeting facilitator or Master of Ceremonies – something she has done hundreds of times, but with a twist. She makes a point of turning a ceremony that could be dull and repetitive into something fun and entertaining. "I know a lot of people find the formal program of an event a boring necessity, but I see it as an opportunity for an organization to connect with an audience in a meaningful way and, for me, to be an ambassador and a voice for them," says LaCoste. "The key is to find the right tone for each event." She recently turned an introduction to a gala about the history of L'Université de Saint-Boniface into a six-minute song reminiscent of an Academy Awards intro that had people laughing and paying attention. "People may not even notice it, but you're still getting the organization's important message across, and recognizing everyone you need to, but in a way the audience will enjoy and remember – and they may even walk away feeling inspired. The time has come to shake things up." Born and raised in St. Boniface, LaCoste speaks both English and French fluently, which provides opportunities on national and international stages. She was the voice of the opening and closing ceremonies at the 1999 Pan American Games in Winnipeg, and host of the team welcome ceremony at the Athletes' Village at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics as well as an announcer at the Curling events. LaCoste was also very involved in the 2017 Summer Games in Manitoba, as an active board member and media relations consultant. And she's looking forward to shining a light on the province in 2020, having just been named a co-chair of the Manitoba 150 Celebration. While it's said that many people fear public speaking more than death, LaCoste embraces any opportunity to speak in front of a crowd. And she has been teaching others to be comfortable doing the same. She has developed workshops for everything from training professionals to prepare for media interviews, to helping a church congregation deliver readings more effectively. Her wide range of experience and knowledge of communications from both the public relations and media standpoint means she understands what her clients need, and can raise the bar, LaCoste says. "It all comes down to my love for communications and community. Nothing brings me greater satisfaction than amplifying the voices of people and organizations whose stories deserve to be more widely known." ❚ To learn more, visit www.moniquelacoste.com. raising her voice USING THE POWER OF SPEECH TO HELP TELL STORIES By Sherry Kaniuga MONIQUE LACOSTE COMMUNICATIONS PHOTO BY DARCY FINLEY