Voice. What a word. Probably one we don’t think much about, even though it’s a noun, adjective, and yes, a verb. We use it every day. According to Dictionary.com, it was first recorded in 1250-1300. People have had a voice for a long time, obviously, much before 1250. What do we do with our voice? What is our voice?
voice
[ vois ]
noun
the sound or sounds uttered through the mouth of living creatures, especially of human beings in speaking, shouting, singing, etc.
the faculty or power of uttering sounds through the mouth by the controlled expulsion of air; speech: to lose one’s voice.
Okay, so obviously your voice is the sound that comes out of your mouth. You can thank genetics for how it sounds. Raise your hand if the sound of your own voice makes you cringe? Yeah, me too. Well, turns out, what we hear is very different than what other people hear.
According to an article by Live Science, our voice is actually deeper than we, ourselves, hear. Unfortunately, not all of us have that Morgan Freeman, smooth, deep, powerful voice we can hear. (I wonder what his voice sounds like to him?) Several studies have found people with higher voices were taken less seriously, while deeper voices tend to be more respected and preferred.
Still, all of our voices are deeper than we think. They’re more powerful too! Get used to how your voice physically sounds. It’s uniquely yours, recognizable, distinguished, and one-of-a-kind! This sounds silly but speak out loud about how important your voice is. Say it, hear it, get used to its sound! Learn to love your physical voice.
voice
[ vois ]
adjective
Computers. of or relating to the use of human or synthesized speech: voice-data entry; voice output.
Telecommunications. of or relating to the transmission of speech or data over media designed for the transmission of speech:
Right, not only do humans have voices, computers do too! Well, sort of. Voices, in this sense, translate and send data. Even outside of computers and telecommunications, a voice gets something across that people are curious about, need to know, or even don’t want to hear. It’s an important tool for society and safety. Your voice is too. You have the power to get information out. You have the power to express large, meaningful knowledge that you possess. Unlike computer voice, yours is not synthesized, made and formed from other pieces and parts other people make. You make your voice. You have the information.
voice
[ vois ]
verb
(used with object), voiced, voic·ing.
to give utterance or expression to; declare; proclaim: to voice one’s discontent.
Music.
- to regulate the tone of, as the pipes of an organ.
- to write the voice parts for (music).
Finally, a verb. Your voice is an action. It’s a moving part. It’s music. You can use voice to make waves, sing, be loud, be funny, express, feel, share, and so very, very much more. Verbs are powerful and full of movement. This is your voice. It’s a verb. It’s all three—verb, adjective, and noun. In news, we’d use our medium to “give voice to the voiceless.” I was always a fan of that saying, but in reality, no one is voiceless. You don’t need a news outlet to give you voice, granted their voice may be a bit louder than a single individual, but it’s still defined the exact same way yours is. Voice is voice, and we all have one, apparently since at least 1250. It’s human. It’s a very part of our identity.
So fantastic, I’ve officially spent 20 minutes defining what a voice is when you can easily “Google it.” I have a point, swear.
How are any of us supposed to use our voice if we don’t know what it is? How do you use a fork if you don’t know what it is?
Our voice is just like any other tool, we have to know what it is first. So here, define your voice in your brand and content. What does it sound like? What information does it put out? What action does it perform? Say it out loud. Hear it and feel it. Your brand and content’s voice is more than a noun. Define it as an adjective and verb, too.
The same goes for your personal professional voice. What are you wanting to put off into the workplace? What is your role and sound? You can’t use your voice without a definition. Going in to ask for a raise? Great, you should. Use your voice as a noun. Know it is yours and unique to you, just like the work you provide your employer. Regardless of the pitch, use a good tone, but a firm one. You don’t have to sound like Morgan Freeman to be taken seriously. Use your voice as an adjective. Translate the information you want or need out of the meeting or workplace. What do you want? How much of a raise? List bullet points of why you deserve this, have the facts and information handy. Use your voice as a verb. Just do it. Ask for it. Make moves. Say the action you need or want.
Every voice is unique, powerful, and most importantly a verb. Anyone can make action with their voice, no matter how big or small, high or low, we think our voice is. Remember, what we hear is different than what others do.
Composition Content 