The Power of Playing with Your Voice: Transforming Communication

Getting this one word wrong can actually make you sound terrible when you talk. Let me explain. First, I've got a couple of questions for you. Number one, what do you do with a hammer? You use a hammer to hammer things. Second question, what do you do with a drill? You use a drill to drill things.

These questions seem rather obvious, but let me ask you a couple more. When you think about tools, what do you do with them in general? Regardless of the tool, you use them. And right there is where the problem lies.

People often think of their voice as a tool. I know my students think of their voice as a tool because when I ask them what they do with their voice, they say they use it to communicate every day. That right there is the biggest problem and the biggest mistake in the world of communication.

Let's dive deeper into this with another example. What do you do with a guitar? Do you use a guitar? No, you play the guitar. What about a piano? Do you use a piano? No, you play the piano.

See where I'm going with this? The key word that people get wrong when they communicate is instead of playing with their voice, they use their voice. Your voice is not a tool, it's an instrument. And if you go through life just using your instrument, you're not being as influential or impactful as you can be.

Let me show you a clip of someone using the piano. Now let me show you someone who plays the piano masterfully. Wasn't the difference between those two examples absolutely outrageous? The same goes for the piano, and the same goes for your voice.

I could use my voice. Let me give you 10 seconds of me using my voice. This is just me using it. I know it's a very dramatic example, but I'm doing this to prove a point. Sorry, can you see, hear, and feel the difference?

If you learn how to play with your voice masterfully, you'll be able to move people, connect with people more easily, and have more impact every single time you open your mouth.

Tips for Playing with Your Voice

1. Experiment with Tone and Pitch: Don't just speak in a monotone. Play around with different tones and pitches to make your speech more engaging.

2. Use Pauses Effectively: Silence can be powerful. Use pauses to emphasize points and give your audience time to absorb your message.

3. Express Emotions: Let your emotions come through in your voice. Whether you're passionate, excited, or serious, your emotions add depth to your communication.

4. Practice: Like any instrument, your voice needs practice. Record yourself speaking and listen back to identify areas for improvement.

5. Get Feedback: Ask friends or colleagues for feedback on your speaking style. Sometimes, others can point out things you might not notice yourself.

Your voice is an incredible instrument that, when played with skill and passion, can leave a lasting impact. It's time to stop using your voice and start playing with it. Embrace the art of vocal expression and watch as your communication becomes more powerful and engaging.

By shifting the mindset from using the voice to playing with it, you open up a world of expressive possibilities. Whether you're speaking to an audience, hosting a podcast, or simply having a conversation, learning to play with your voice can transform your communication and enhance your ability to connect with others. So, go ahead and start playing—your voice is waiting to be heard. 🎤