Kate's Voice

This week, look at the list you created of things you like about your voice.  Write one of these at the top of each page for the next five pages in your journal.  Study that aspect of your voice for one full day.  Consider how that strength affects others.  What does it say about you separate from your words?  How can you use that strength more effectively to present the vocal image you want?

My observations:

I have often been told that I sound friendly when I talk.  I use a lot of variety of pitch in my voice, influenced greatly by my training as a singer.  My challenge has been to add in the more commanding vocal sound that is created by using LESS variety of pitch.  The most influential communicators use both appropriately.  Conscious choices again.  For more information on cadence in the voice, please see my post in December, or refer to my book on page 97.

There are at least ten characteristics of your voice that create your vocal image.  They are pitch, tone, volume, emotion, clarity, pace, rhythm, cadence, and choice of words.  You can find more on clarity, pace, volume and cadence in some of my previous posts.  When you are writing in your voice journal, it’s great to keep a list of these attributes in front of you.  Write them down now, or refer to the “Vocal Image Awareness Exercises” on pages 71-103 in my book.

Here’s how to keep and use an effective voice journal:

Write your observations two or three times during the day.  It is sometimes best to plan to write in your journal at the same time everyday.  For example, write in it when you first arrive at your desk so you can capture your thoughts on how you used your voice at home and on the way to work.  (Singing in the shower and the car, I hope!)  Write in it again after lunch, so you can think back on how you used your voice while having lunch with others.  And finally, write in it before going home so you can observe the state of your voice over a period of a day.