The Sound of Your Voice
You can text, email, and message all you want with your digital brain but consider using it to speak to someone, not as a last resort, as a way to personally connect. The sound of your voice with the pauses and stumbles, the emotion and energy, the lilt and sighs truly conveys your message better than a ping and a scroll.
Even if you text 100 times a day to your beloved, the thing they want most is your voice caressing their ear. Parents long to hear your familiar cadence to confirm that you really are doing well or that a verbal hug is required. Grandparents are happy with pictures, but to hear the baby’s first giggle will send them over the moon. On the flip side, hearing Grampa’s voice lets you know that he did take his meds and fulfilled his volunteer shift at Habitat for Humanity. It’s almost as good as being there.
Digital communication is usually efficient, effective, and convenient however, your voice conveys your emotions better than any emoji. How fired up would the fans get if cheerleaders just texted their cheers during a game? Imagine the stillness of the crowd at Gettysburg in 1863 as Lincoln’s voice rumbled over his audience. Something would have been lost had he handed out printed versions of his call for unity and just stood there as the crowd read the 271 words.
Your voice matters. Whether it is to tell your mom you’re okay or to get people inspired, use your voice, say what is important, speak so people will connect with you and your mission.
By Contributing Author, Jane Maulucci, The Reactive Voice