Finding Your True Voice

How many times have you walked away from a conversation wishing that you had handled it differently? A disagreement, perhaps, where you wish you’d said less, or said more, or adjusted your volume up or down. Or you delivered some bad news and the other person’s reaction wasn’t at all what you’d imagined when you rehearsed it. Or your voice failed you when you had to defend your opinion, a colleague, your job.

For many of us, losing our true voice in the face of fear, controversy, awkward situations and difficult conversations is an all-too-often occurrence. So how do you find it and ensure it’s at the ready for every conversation?

 “To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others.”
- Dr. Lawrence J. Peter

It starts by understanding your own communication style, and how your beliefs impact your perception of experiences and information. Do you make assumptions that prevent you from speaking authentically? Do you hold back because of past negative experiences that you fear will be repeated? Leaving things unsaid that need to be said can be as detrimental as saying too much, if not more so. Detrimental to you, whose needs are not being met, and detrimental to others, who may need the information or insight you provide.

Recognize that others also view experiences and information through their own belief-based lens. Speak in a way that respects this by listening for understanding and clarifying intent. When you adapt your delivery so that others will hear you, your true voice will come through.

There are a number of assessment tools available to help you understand your communication style and understand the style of others. With this knowledge you can learn how to adapt to others. You can stop working to get your point across and begin to truly listen to others.  Here you will find the power of your true voice.

If you’re interested in learning more about these assessments for you or for your organization, please contact me for your local Lumina Learning Affiliate.  You can reach me at RebeccaBales@luminalearning.com.

Listen on,

Rebecca