Finding My Voice
I’ve been ruminating today on my voice. Inspired by an Instagram post by author Emily Stimpson Chapman, where she explained how an author develops her voice, I’ve been reflecting.
As I’ve been reflecting, I’m realizing that my written voice is the voice of my feelings.
My written voice is one of the moment - stumbling upon inspiration as I sit, write, and process.
My written voice is one of my heart: putting the depth of the experience of this present moment into words.
My written voice makes tangible the wellspring of what is hidden.
My written voice is … my heart. my soul. what I choose to share with the world. …what I would call my true self.
My speaking voice, on the other hand, is my outward voice.
The image I think will be best received: one of exuberance, joy, confidence, wisdom.
My spoken voice seeks to inspire confidence into the listener - to build up - to make ready.
My spoken voice aims for receptivity. I choose words carefully - but also, not. I think with words and I think outloud (and constantly; I’m always making connections). If I’m teaching, if I’m advising, I am also taking measure of my audience: which words will land best?
My written tone is one of feelings, the heart - softness. My verbal tone is humor - sometimes misconstrued as sarcasm.
My written aim is to inspire feeling, and spur to greater faith. My verbal aim is to inspire joy, hope, a lightening of the load.
I think this is why I have often felt a bit like a person divided. Who am I, really?
As I have been learning to embrace my strengths (talent themes) as gifts instilled by my loving Father, this division I have felt for most of the past 25 years slowly is dissipating. My true self doesn’t lie entirely in “loud Jessica” nor is it solely in a deep pondering soul Jessica. I am both.
My Communication strength is at full manifestation when I am writing and also when I am speaking - whether that is presenting, teaching, or advising. My Connectedness and Context strengths are exercised when I can sit, reflect, and connect. My writing displays this connection most. My planning for courses and lessons also exercises this with Ideation & Strategic added for good measure.
Above all, my desire in writing and speaking is to be understood. My desire in advising and teaching is to understand. Thank God for the balance - and the gift.
