Think about the voices we hear the most. Radio adverts, podcast intros, tv commercials, public transport announcements, political speeches….notice anything strange?
The world we live in is often dominated by preconceived notions of what is deemed to sound “professional”
Learning to embrace, accept and own the sound of our own voice is actually a powerful exploration of our own authenticity.
Your voice sounds and patterns are as unique as the very DNA that made you.
Contrary to outdated beliefs, professionalism isn’t confined to a specific tone, accent, or vocal inflection – it’s about embracing the unique voice that defines each individual.
The traditional, and yet still widely used and accepted, narrative has perpetuated the idea that the well spoken, white, cis, male voice is the epitome of professionalism. How is this still a thing in 2024?
However, we’re sensing a push towards breaking away from this blinkered perspective and we are here for that and already playing our part.
When we deliver SPEAK, our public speaking workshop, we’re helping to dismantle the biased perception surrounding how a ‘professional’ voice should sound. The diversity of voices we hear is a reflection of the rich tapestry of humanity, and every voice deserves recognition and respect. Encouraging individuals to own their voice involves empowering them to find confidence in their unique expressions, rather than conforming to a standardised myth of professionalism.
This is essential if we are to encourage people to be the best versions of themselves. True professionalism is about authenticity, and every voice, irrespective of its pitch or accent, carries the potential for impact and influence. We just need to lay down our own biases (yep, we all have them) and accept that the world is a diverse place with more than one way of sounding professional.
Imagine a brave world where every voice is celebrated for its distinctiveness.
Eton educated and white male? Super! ✅
Public school and broad Geordie female..? Class! ❤️
Sixth form dropout with an Italian inflection…? Bellisimo! 👏
By everyone working to remove the bias associated with vocal characteristics, we can create an environment that fosters inclusivity and helps people to build their authentic selves. This long overdue shift not only benefits individuals but amplifies the sounds of many diverse voices.
At We Are Brave we champion the idea that professionalism trumps stereotypes and promotes the authenticity of every voice. In doing so, we lead the way for a more inclusive, diverse, and unique sounding professional landscape.
Sara