5 Ways to Empower Your Voice
Have you ever wondered how to make your voice a little more powerful, a little more magical? A few years ago I had a minor throat procedure, which left me time to think about my own voice, or temporary lack thereof. And not surprisingly, I realised, that I’d taken my voice for granted. It made me reflect on what voice represents. Sure, we all love the sounds of a beautiful one. Whilst rich velvety tones are desirable, truly powerful voices have truth and integrity.
It got me thinking about how we can put our own voice to good use.
Step No 1 – Speak Your Truth
I think this is possibly the most important of all and it’s easier said than done. It’s so easy to keep quiet and not disturb the status quo. And at times, especially these, speaking your truth can be dangerous. I’m not talking of rudeness, such as telling a hostess that her dinner was actually quite revolting. But, I am talking about you saying what is really important to you, channeling your inner wisdom, communicating your own truths and recognising that what you have to say, really does matter.
There are many who would rather we kept quiet. We’ve experienced #MeToo and the Epstein files. We’ve seen what happens to protestors all around the world. Indeed, having the freedom to speak our individual and collective truths, is a mark of a great democracy and something that we should fight for. Sadly, speaking our truth, even to help others, has come at a great cost in so many countries. So please, speak your truth…. as long as it is safe to do so, of course.
Step No 2 – Never Forget The Power Of Your Words
Recently, I’ve had a few instances of people thanking me for the helpful words that I spoke to them some long time ago when the individual was at a point of crisis. It’s very flattering, but I have no idea what on earth it is that I was supposed to have said. (Indeed, I could do with a bit of wisdom myself)! Last week, I even bumped into a lovely man, whose acquaintance I briefly made some years back, he said, he’d never forget that profound conversation we’d had! Sadly, I had. So people, recognise that your words have power, whether you realise it or not. What you have to say, just might be of profound importance to somebody else, we just might not realise it at the time. This means that it is incumbent on us all to try and be as clear, considerate and compassionate as possible. What means little to you, may be of great significance to another.
Also, please be careful of the names we call each other and words hurled in anger, they just might have a long term impact.
Step No 3 – Speak From The Heart, Use Your Voice To Say How You Really Feel
I don’t know if you, like me, are turned off by those people who manage to smile with their mouths, but not with their eyes? Well, there is a verbal equivalent too. It used to be that politicians would say what they thought we wanted to hear, although nowadays, they say what they want us to think. Lying was once frowned upon and now it’s pervasive. How refreshing it is when somebody comes and speaks from a pure heart, with love and consideration and hope.
Step No 4 – Speak with Authority, Make sure you are heard
Sometimes others just don’t won’t listen. We might repeat ourselves until we felt heard (if we are lucky). And of course, there are so many ways to ‘speak’, verbal communication, the written word, social media and our body language and appearance. It’s not just what we say, but the tone of voice too. I don’t know about you, but family arguments are often not about the content but the delivery!!! Of course, in order to be heard, we have to listen well too. When it comes to something important, my tip from years of working in marketing and communications, is think about what it is that you need somebody else to understand and say this. Don’t get caught up in the unnecessary.
Step No 5 – Use your Voice to Speak for Others
Not everyone has a voice. Who defends the defenceless? Who speaks for Nature and imperilled ecosystems? Who speaks for the oppressed workers living and working in ridiculous conditions, in order to provide the West with more lovely clothes or newer smart phones? Many people don’t have a voice, or aren’t listened to. So, those of us in privileged positions must use our voices to advocate for others, for our wonderful earth who struggles so much, for the biosystems beleagured by plastic and for people whose own voices just can’t be heard, for whatever reason.
Having a voice is a privilege. We must learn to speak our truth. We must speak for others when they can’t. Above all we must be speak with kindness and integrity.