It has been told to me that when I walk into a room, my presence, alone, commands the room. Ironically, I am small in stature, so being told my presence is palpable compliments what I lack in height. It’s my birthday soon and as I reflect on my life, all the things I’ve done including those that I haven’t yet to do, the most important that stands out to me is my voice. Living more than half my life it probably took me that long to speak my voice.
Don’t get me wrong. I talk. I laugh. I cry. I sing. I scream.
You can hear my voice.
I speak.
What I struggled to do was speak my voice.
Growing up with a generation that told children to “speak when spoken to” or “children should be seen, not heard,” in congruence with a mother who stifled my ideas, my thoughts, my voice, probably because it is what she knew growing up – passing it along, at no fault of her own – I never spoke my voice.
It stayed inside my head.
I know many of you reading this are nodding your heads in agreement. Even those who didn’t experience these words as a child still struggle to speak their voice.
What is it that prevents many individuals from speaking their mind while others believe it is their right to speak their mind?
To speak their voice regardless of how it affects others.
So, how can we tell if the voice inside our heads is telling the truth or just a fountain of feelings that are temporary? When should we give ourselves permission to speak authentically? Is it acceptable to speak our voice even if it hurts, offends, or defeats others?
Both personally and professionally, speaking our voice comes with responsibilities, accountability, and, often, consequences. But there are techniques to speaking your voice effectively – to empowering others – fulfilling your dreams – to being a responsible, thoughtful speaker.
First, as you listen to the world around you and find space for speaking your voice, meditate on your self-awareness. What makes you angry? Why do you cry? What gives you hope? What are you passionate about? What is your “why?” Seek answers to these questions and speak your voice to share the responses.
What lifts you up will strengthen others.
Second, seek to look at yourself from a different perspective. Get out of “I” and look at yourself as others most likely see you. We tend to be so critical of ourselves that we start to believe the voice inside our heads.
Become omniscient. Dare to be all-knowing and watch your voice evolve.
Finally, as you become empowered by speaking your voice, remember the power of what you speak. Words and rhetoric are powerful tools to be utilized carefully.
Speaking our voice has the power to conquer feelings and destroy the emotions of others. It also has the power of divine intervention – to uplift others – to encourage – to motivate.
How do you choose to speak your voice?
Written by Dr. Anastasia Legakes
Meet Dr. Anastasia At https://languageofleaders.org/