About us


Vox Institute was founded in 1988 as a training and research institute specialized in acoustic and non verbal aspects of speech communication. Its mission is to provide scientifically based courses/coaching and assessment of communication skills.

Its founder and director, Branka Zei Pollermann PhD, has been involved in Geneva University scientific research since 1980. She is the author of numerous publications. Her professional profile is multi-disciplinary and her academic credentials include: a doctorate (PhD) in psychology (University of Geneva), and three university diplomas in: general linguistics (Geneva), psychology (Geneva), English and Italian language and literature (Zagreb). Her postgraduate studies covered the fields of phonetics, linguistics, philosophy and sociology. In parallel to her work at Vox Institute, she held part-time teaching and research positions at: Faculty of Psychology (Geneva University), Geneva University Hospitals, CERN, Phonetics Institute (Zagreb University).

Vox Institute provides tailored courses using leading-edge technology for assessment and coaching in vocal and non-verbal skills of speech communication. The content and methodology allow the clients to benefit from the latest scientific discoveries in the field of speech communication.

Vox Institute (founded in 1988) provides courses and conducts scientific research in

Speech communication

improving oral communication skills, identifying strengths and weaknesses and suggesting courses of action

· basic oratory skills (from Cicero to modern orators)
· acoustic analysis of the speaker’s voice (using P. Boersma’s leading-edge software)
· emotional and linguistic characteristics of speaking styles
· facial expressions (analysis of thought and emotion processes by using P. Ekman’s FACS)
· posture, gesture, gaze, and proxemics in speech communication


Speech disturbances/impairments

remediation of stuttering, disfluent speech, hearing impairment

· correction of foreign accents
· improvement of fluency
· stammer remediation (delayed auditory feedback method)
· hearing impairment (use of bone conduction - vibratory pathways)


Emotion psychology

intelligent handling of one's emotions, optimising emotional climate and motivation by using appropriate organisational and communication strategies

· emotional aspects of decision taking - based on research by M. Morris, A. Damasio, C.S. Carver & M.F. Scheier
· persuasion: rational and emotional strategies - based on J. Cacioppo & R. Petty's research
· motivation: balancing intrinsic and extrinsic incentives - B. Frey’s model
· work satisfaction, well-being and health - based on D. Kahneman’s and M. Marmot’s research

	Vox Institute is multi-disciplinary (linguistics, acoustics, phonetics, social psychology, computer science). Vox Institute is multi-cultural (including cross-cultural and culture specific contents). Its mission is to provide scientifically based training (workshops and coaching) in a time- and cost-efficient manner, by using personalised approach and modern technology. Vox Institute uses leading-edge assessment system - an objective computer-based assessment of the person’s skills in speech communication.

Vox Institute motto: Always do more than just the necessary!