Inspirational 'Ripple'  Columns
Voice Management

People refer to the human senses as blessings especially when they reflect on the challenges associated with an impairment with one of them.  I recently went through a 10 day period where my voice took strain.  It started after facilitating a programme for a large group and battled to recover during a period of back to back events.  The stress of speaking coupled with the need to be able to speak made me acutely aware of managing my voice.  I consciously spoke when I needed to, and made an effort to keep my fruitless outbursts in the traffic to a minimum.  Like everything else in life the gift of voice brings with it the need for responsible use.  In the realm of cause and effect, what we say always causes ripples.  Use voice wisely then, as it always promotes a reaction and you will have to deal with these reactions.  Be sure you get the kind of reactions you want and or are prepared to deal with.
Before speaking it may be good to reflect on the following questions:

• Am I focused on telling or do I also consider if people want to hear what I want to say?
• Is what I am about to say fact or simply my opinion?
• Am I presenting my opinion as fact?
• Do I allow for right of reply or do I only practice my freedom of speech?
• Do I consider what my audience will be able to do with my verbal delivery?
• Am I a stuck record?
• Am I speaking out against what does not work for me?
• Am I addressing my concerns with the right people?

Voice also has internal cause and effect.  Once again these consequences of voice should be considered.  Regret for something you said or regret for not saying something are examples of the internal effects of voice management. 

Fully appreciating voice is hopefully not something that you will only become aware of should you lose your voice.  Voice should be seen as a scarce resource, when seen this way it will promote the idea of conserving it; of using it wisely.

You are the voice for your life; know what is worth saying and what is not.  Say things at the right time.  Listen to your conscience.  Don’t say the same things in the same way over and over while expecting a different result.  Be mindful of speaking on behalf of others unless requested to do so.  Get your facts right.  When you need to be heard ensure that you are heard.  Listen to yourself – you might learn something valuable.  Share good news stories.  Don’t say one thing and mean another.  Say yes when it is yes and no when it is no.  Notice when all around you have gone horribly quiet.  Know your audience.  Apply the two ears, one mouth guideline appropriately.  You can also vote with your feet.  Tell people when they have done well.  Say thank you and please.  Plan important messages.  Be spontaneous with telling people you care about them.  Smile when talking – people hear more when you smile.  Keep unwanted parts of your body away from talking – your foot, your frown, your forked tongue and your bottom lip. Be sincere.  Learn new adjectives to get your true feelings across.

When we all make a concerted effort to use our voices wisely, the positive ripples that will result will make the world a better place.