Basking Ridge Radio Host, Voice Over Artist Is Helping Kids Find Their Voice

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Award-winning radio host, voice-over artist, and public speaking coach Loren Raye of Basking Ridge has always been an open book where public speaking came naturally to her growing up.

"I was one of the weird ones, and I still am. I very much know who I am," said Raye to Patch of public speaking. "I've always been the kind of kid that has loved doing that."

Recognizing her natural ability, Raye launched her own Public Speaking business about three years ago to help kids in the area gain that same confidence.

"To me, this comes naturally, so I have the ability to kind of break it down in ways I think that maybe other people might struggle with, if it just doesn't come naturally to them," said Raye. "It's a nice thing to be able to offer."

Raye first got involved with public speaking in fourth grade at Cedar Hill when David Yastremski, who coached and still coaches Ridge High School's Forensics Team, spoke to her class. She teamed up with him and eventually joined the Forensics team.

A pivotal point in her life happened during her junior year, when she hosted Ridge's red carpet fashion show fundraiser. At one point during the show, something went wrong and Raye had to fill in time.

"I just grabbed the mic and walked out on stage and was like, 'All right, we got this'. And it was such a rush, and I had so much fun with it. I was like, You know what? I think this is what I want to study," said Raye.

Raye received her BA in Broadcast Journalism and a minor in Communication Arts and Sciences from Penn State University. She then went on to work for Z100/Elvis Duran and the Morning Show, and 103.3 AMP Radio in Boston, for which she won two "Outstanding Morning Drive Personality" Gracie Awards.

Nowadays, Raye can heard filling in for Karen Carson in the Morning on NEW 102.7 in New York City.

Passing on her knowledge and gift, Raye is an Assistant Coach with the Ridge Forensics Team. She is also helping through her business Loran Raye Public Speaking Coach.

Her coaching business focuses on children from third grade through 12th grade with varying curriculums and courses. Raye's overall goal is to allow kids to believe that their voice deserves to be heard.

"I believe that all kids should have the ability to find their confidence and their voice," said Raye.

For more information visit iteachspeaking.com or follow instagram.com/iteachspeaking.

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