The Voice You Use Every Day: A Hidden Career Asset

Hi Dear Readers,

Today I'm thinking about a personal asset we use all the time, that we might be undervaluing: our voice!

We use our voice every day - on calls, in meetings, and to connect with clients or colleagues. It’s so routine that we often take it for granted, but have you ever stopped to think about what an incredible asset your voice can be? Or how it might be holding you back in your career?

Your voice isn’t just a tool for conveying words. It carries with it the weight of credibility, influence, and authority. When used effectively, it can propel you forward. On the flip side, a poorly used voice could cost you opportunities and undermine your professional presence. Let’s explore three reasons why your voice matters more than you think - and how to start leveraging it today.

1.   Your Credibility Depends on It

Your voice directly affects how credible you appear. Studies show that vocal tone, clarity, and delivery heavily influence perceptions of leadership. A well-modulated, confident, and clear voice projects authority, competence, and inspires trust. People with strong vocal presence are often seen as more intelligent, and their message is perceived as more valuable.

Conversely, a voice lacking energy, resonance, or clarity may suggest uncertainty, undermining your message's strength. Your personal physiology does affect the way you sound but we can always improve the voice we are born with through training and practice.

Your voice profoundly influences how seriously you are taken and how respected you are.  If people don't feel a connection with you, that respect will never be earned.  A neglected voice can lead to disconnection, often within seconds. As Nicholas Boothman reminds us:

"The better you are at connecting with others, the better your chances of success will be.  And you have to be fast! People make the 'like'/'don't like, 'ok/no way'/ decision in ninety seconds or less."

2. Your Voice Sets You Apart

In today’s competitive world, your voice can be a unique differentiator. While many people might have similar qualifications and experience, a well-produced voice - clear, engaging, and pleasant to listen to - can get you noticed and give you a competitive edge.

A great voice can turn the mundane into the memorable. In high-pressure situations like a client presentation, a pitch, or even a casual team meeting, the ability to captivate through your voice gives you an edge. In a noisy marketplace, it’s not always the best idea or loudest person that stands out, but the individual whose voice commands attention and projects confidence, warmth, and conviction.

Investing in improving your vocal tone is like sharpening any other essential professional skill. It’s not just an enhancement; it’s a crucial part of the toolkit that helps you differentiate yourself, gain influence, and achieve long-term success.

3.   The Human Voice as a Transforming Agent

Think about the great speakers in history who rallied nations, inspired movements, or changed the course of industries. Martin Luther King Jr., Winston Churchill, Steve Jobs - they all used their voices as a tool to inspire action and change. I think today of Barack and Michelle Obama as two outstanding examples of vocal presence in action. Today’s business leaders may not be giving speeches that go down in history, but the ability to communicate vision, motivate teams, and foster alignment is more critical than ever.

As businesses become more demanding, diverse, and dispersed, leaders need to tap into the transformative power of their voice to unite and guide their teams. In an era where we are more likely to interact through screens than face-to-face, the nuances of vocal expression can be a leader’s most powerful asset. It can humanise the virtual workplace and create a sense of connection in ways that written communication simply can’t match.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Voice

Your voice is a powerful tool, and it’s one you use every day, often without even realising its impact. By investing time and attention into refining how you sound, you’re taking a critical step toward enhancing your leadership brand and career.

Here’s some suggestions to boost your vocal impact:

• Get Feedback: Record yourself during a meeting or presentation and listen back. What’s your vocal tone like? Do you sound confident? Do you trail off at the end of sentences? Are you monotonous?
• Vocal Exercises: Just like any other muscle, your voice can benefit from warmups and exercises. Try humming, articulation exercises, or even reading aloud to improve your range, expressivity and control.
• Join a Class: Consider working with a voice coach or joining a workshop to get expert advice on how to refine your vocal presence.
• Practice Intentionality: Before you speak, take a moment to think about how you want to sound - energetic, calm, authoritative? Shaping your delivery to suit the situation can go a long way.

🤔 Have you ever thought about how your voice affects your career? Have you noticed how a colleague or leader with a good voice and delivery style stands out in the workplace? How do you think vocal delivery impacts the perception of authority and trustworthiness in your organisation? Do share your thoughts!

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©️ Veronica Allardice 2024, www.theatreofleadership.com