I have noticed what seems like a recurring theme in my recent coaching sessions. Three of my clients in particular have highlighted issues that are fundamentally to do with how they express themselves through their voice: a newly promoted manager looking for a way to embody her new role and find a different vocal (and metaphorical) tone in her interactions with the team and her new peers; an experienced manager wanting to create the right impression in advance of (yet another set of) organisational changes - and wondering how he ensures that the clear thinking in his head is credible and convincing coming out of his mouth; and the emerging writer, looking to give voice to his story and characters without being overwhelmed by them.
As the key way that we engage with others, our voice is a bridge between our internal and external worlds. Our words — how they are chosen, strung together and expressed — have the ability to clarify, influence, persuade, motivate and inspire. They have a significant impact on image and long-term success.
As a coach, I listen carefully to what clients say and how they say it. Together, we explore the significance of what they say, and I reflect back my experience of hearing them say it. Their physical voice provides a window to their thoughts.
But using the abstract or connotative idea of ‘voice’ to explore a client’s sense of self provides another dimension. The concept of voice is closely related to our sense of identity. In choosing the voice we use, for example as leaders, we are saying something about the kind of person we want to be seen as. If this voice is to be heard as authentic, it must reflect our actions; the kind of person we are. If it doesn’t, however much we might admire those we would model ourselves on, we will struggle to “make that noise” (as described in Anthony Minghella’s book, Minghella on Minghella).
We talk about compelling voices as ‘resonating’ - having a certain quality of sound that is deep, full, and reverberating. But resonance also relates to the impact of our words; the ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions. A resonant voice will integrate inner values with outer behaviours; whereas a dissonant voice just doesn’t “sound” right.
Add a Comment to share your experience, or contact me via sam@differentdevelopment.com to find out more about exploring your Voice
As the key way that we engage with others, our voice is a bridge between our internal and external worlds. Our words — how they are chosen, strung together and expressed — have the ability to clarify, influence, persuade, motivate and inspire. They have a significant impact on image and long-term success.
As a coach, I listen carefully to what clients say and how they say it. Together, we explore the significance of what they say, and I reflect back my experience of hearing them say it. Their physical voice provides a window to their thoughts.
But using the abstract or connotative idea of ‘voice’ to explore a client’s sense of self provides another dimension. The concept of voice is closely related to our sense of identity. In choosing the voice we use, for example as leaders, we are saying something about the kind of person we want to be seen as. If this voice is to be heard as authentic, it must reflect our actions; the kind of person we are. If it doesn’t, however much we might admire those we would model ourselves on, we will struggle to “make that noise” (as described in Anthony Minghella’s book, Minghella on Minghella).
We talk about compelling voices as ‘resonating’ - having a certain quality of sound that is deep, full, and reverberating. But resonance also relates to the impact of our words; the ability to evoke or suggest images, memories, and emotions. A resonant voice will integrate inner values with outer behaviours; whereas a dissonant voice just doesn’t “sound” right.
Add a Comment to share your experience, or contact me via sam@differentdevelopment.com to find out more about exploring your Voice
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