Welcome readers to another one of my blog entries, if you like what you’ve read, then hit the like button, and comment if you would like to chime in with anything that can create a conversation in the comment section. Also, you can support me by following my blog site. This way you’ll be notified when my next blog is published. I am because we are; that’s Ubuntu. As always, peace and keep it real.
What assumptions and beliefs do people make about you based on your vocal image? This question was asked during a presentation by communications specialist Vinh Giang.
I ask this question because I believe many of us are oblivious to our vocal image and how it’s perceived. Most people are unaware of what their voice sounds like, and whenever they hear it for the first time, they’re mortified. They’ll complain and deny it by making excuses as to why their voice sounds like that and that they sound better than the recording they’re hearing for the first time. Honestly, I had this mentality and couldn’t fathom what I sounded like because we’re only used to hearing ourselves internally, not externally. With that being said, I implore you to look at the science behind why we think our voices sound more appealing than they are. Furthermore, I began to appreciate my voice and was even complimented on it once by a listener (a fellow blogger) who left a voice message appreciating my content and was glad to hear my voice for the first time. As a podcaster, I still have a lot to learn about improving my vocal image because I always listen to episode playbacks, and I’ve noticed the mistakes I made with my vocal delivery. So, to all my fellow podcasters, let’s emphasize the importance of having a better vocal image to attract, retain, and delight our listeners. Moreover, when people meet you for the first time, they instantly make assumptions about your visual image (appearance and body language) and your vocal image (voice, articulation, speech clarity, etc.). In terms of your vocal image, the moment you reveal it, the listener will simultaneously make assumptions and then form beliefs about who you are as a person, whether they’re true or false. These new encounters will have questions based on your vocal image, such as, is this person intriguing, respectful, considerate, and is this person authentic enough for me to trust? Before I conclude this post, I have a question about our vocal image and how we can determine if the person we’re listening to is worth our attention. So, this question goes out to anyone who would like to answer, including Vinh Giang (he won’t see this, but it’s a question I’d ask him). How can we ascertain and form beliefs about someone’s vocal image if we don’t speak the same language as them? I’m able to make quick judgments when I understand what’s being said to me, but if I’m listening to a foreign language, then I would have to rely more on visual cues than their vocal image to frame my opinion of that individual. That isn’t to say I can’t pay attention and have opinions on that person’s vocal image because I believe there are many things that I can identify with their vocal image regardless of language. For example, their tone, intonation, and rate of speech are ways we can form beliefs about that individual’s vocal image. However, that runs the risk of us generalizing how a group of people speak a particular language. I believe that will cause us to have preconceived notions of their vocal image whenever we encounter them. In other words, I think their manner of speaking solidifies a vocal image in our minds that can become more apparent once fluency is acquired.
Lastly, I would like to include an article about the five most important aspects of how to improve your vocal image. Please, click the article link below so you can learn more.
Real Free - Flowing Words 