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Discovering Your Authentic Voice: A Journey to Confidence

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Chapter 1: The Awakening

The first time I encountered my recorded voice, I was taken aback. Who was this nasally, juvenile-sounding individual who peppered their speech with unnecessary fillers like "um" and "like"? I can't recall what prompted me to record myself—perhaps it was part of an interview or a practice session—but the memory of my reaction remains vivid: I wanted to destroy that tape in sheer frustration.

My immediate instinct was to be harsh on myself. The microphone from that Sanyo cassette recorder, which I purchased at Radio Shack, certainly didn't help my case. It was inadequate for capturing any voice authentically. However, I sensed there had to be a better way. Is it common for everyone to dislike their own voice this much?

As I entered the world of broadcasting in the early 2000s, I upgraded to a decent microphone—an Electro-Voice omnidirectional mic, a staple in public radio. These mics, resembling a heavy-duty flashlight, are virtually indestructible. While this new equipment improved the audio quality by eliminating that annoying hiss from cheap tape, I still struggled to accept the sound of my voice.

Fast forward two decades, and I've reached a new understanding: the voice I hear when I speak is identical to the one I hear on recordings. They have become one and the same for me. Of course, there are days when a cold might alter my voice, but I now recognize the person speaking into the microphone as me.

Finding Your Voice

Here’s how I shifted from despising my voice to embracing it—and you can achieve this transformation in much less time than my 20-year journey.

Start by recording your conversations. Nowadays, technology offers countless options for doing this—Ecamm, for instance. You can also simply use the Voice Memo feature on your phone. Just make sure to avoid letting video distract you. If you do record video, extract the audio so you can listen back without visual distractions.

KEEP LISTENING. Use your commute or walks as opportunities to reflect on your recordings. I convert my recordings to MP3s and store them on Dropbox for easy access anywhere.

Next, evaluate your performance. What areas could you improve? Where did you excel? Take notes to chart your progress.

Screenshot of Dropbox app for voice recordings

Now, let's elevate your practice. Find a transcription service—many are free or offer limited free minutes, like otter.ai. Once you have the transcript, treat it like an article you’ve written: print it out, edit it with a red pen, and revise it on your computer until it reflects your desired tone.

Once you have your polished transcript, read the questions aloud the way you want them to sound and re-record your answers as your most articulate self. Listen to this new recording and repeat the process.

If you commit to these exercises, you'll soon find joy in hearing your own voice. You'll discover its true essence and origin.

Now, when I hear my voice, there is no distinction between speaking casually with friends and what I hear through speakers or headphones.

Use this approach to cultivate a friendship with your voice—because it’s truly you! The more you practice, the less disparity there will be between your perceived voice and your actual voice. An added benefit of refining your recordings is that you'll gradually begin to sound more like the person you aspire to be.

Samantha Hodder is a writer and podcast producer. Tune in to my podcast episode on The Podcast about Podcasting, where I share my unique approach to narration. For more insights, visit my online presence.

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Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

In this engaging video, "How to Find Your True Singing Voice! WHY COPY SOMEONE ELSE?", you'll discover strategies to embrace your authentic voice and enhance your vocal confidence.

Chapter 3: TEDx Insights

In "TEDxBerkeley - Charles Holt - Finding Your Voice," Charles Holt shares his inspiring journey to self-discovery through voice, encouraging viewers to find and embrace their unique sound.

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