Have you felt that your voice was only useful when interacting with others at work, university, school, or at
home? That it was only necessary at restaurants, meetings, and social media comment sections?
Did you ever think that your voice had a greater use, that it could create a bigger impact?
Growing up, I remember watching people speak on various platforms, whether it was behind pulpits,
at a lecture, or on TedTalks, educating or motivating crowds. I was amazed at how bold these people
were, to stand in front of a sea of onlooking faces, and I used to think I couldn’t speak like that. I
couldn’t use my voice like that. It wasn’t for me.
I’ve come to learn that using our voice doesn’t have to be just public speaking. There are many
vehicles we can use to express our thoughts and convey our message. We can use blogs, poetry,
podcasts, songs, quotes, commentary, business, craft, animations, and art. There are so many ways
we can express our voices. So many unique ways to suit the unique individuals we are.
You may think, ‘cool, I have a voice but I don’t have anything to say'.
The truth is you do. We all do.
Every individual has life experience. Experiences that can shape and transform how others view the
world. Experiences that people can learn from to make wiser choices and better decisions.
Experiences that enlighten people to the plight of others in the world. That broadens their
worldview and gives them insight into another’s perspective. These experiences help us to
empathise and to move to be a solution to a problem instead of a participator.
Your voice is the vehicle through which you can convey your inner thoughts and life experience.
Have you ever felt like you’re the only person going through a particular situation? That no one can
understand what you’re going through? Then someone, whether on social media or a close friend,
speaks on a similar situation and it brings you hope that you’re not alone in this world.
Their vulnerability brings you healing. Their voice brings you comfort.
I remember when I felt discouraged about a writing project. I felt like I’d forgotten my ‘why’ and I
became unmotivated to continue developing it. When my friend asked about the project, and I told
them how I felt, they reminded me of my ‘why’. They reminded me that I was creating this project to
uplift and empower, that this project was a gift, and gifts were meant to be given. Their encouraging
words re-lit the fire that had died out, and swept away the creeping doubt that had been clouding
my vision. They shared their own experiences of pre-project nerves and learning curves. As they
spoke, their voice began to renew my perception and my passion. I felt re-energised and more
resolute in my decision to complete the project.
There are people that need to hear your voice, your story, your experience, as it can create an
atmosphere of empathy, understanding, connection, and relatability. Isolation and hopelessness erodes away, and optimism takes its place.
Remember this doesn’t have to be to a crowd. This can be to a friend, a family member, a neighbour.
Your voice can heal. Your voice can create change. Just like one wave can steer a ship, a single word
can change the course of someone’s life for the better. Don’t dim the light your experience can
bring. Don’t diminish the voice that can usher in daylight after a period of darkness.
Speaking isn’t just for the bold and the charismatic.
It’s for everyone that has a story to share. Whether you share that story through a business product
or through a conversation with a friend, remember that your voice is valid, your voice is valuable and
your voice can create change.
We Love That Girl. That Girl Is You.
Written by - Jennifer Enti.