“Think of it [voice] as symbolic of many things about our central identity, let’s say, and not really even symbolic but literally, how do we express ourselves day-to-day about who we are the most? I guess what I’m trying to say is that working on your voice can [be] a whole life-changing experience.”
~Wendy Parman, voice teacher, singer, actor, writer, etc
What do an opera soprano, a university lecturer, and a podcaster have in common? They’re all vocal professionals!
In fact, according to performer and voice teacher Wendy Parman, you’re probably a vocal professional.
Think about that for a moment: anyone who leans heavily on their voice, either to create art or do their job is a pro. Salesperson or singer. Teacher or actor.
With that in mind, why are so many of us trying to muscle our voice into places it just doesn’t want (or need) to go? If you’re doing so because you don’t feel like you deserve the right to occupy your space, listen up! You should fill your corner of the world to capacity.
On your own vocal merits.
Continued below…
Join me at Podfest
March 6-8, 2020. Orlando, FL
Sunday morning at 11:20am, I’ll be offering an interactive session called Let Your Voice Shine! — practice fining more freedom and flexibility with your MOST VALUABLE podcasting asset.
Create your own podcast!
I’m going to be offering my Podcast Envy: Launch Your Own class ONLINE for the first time ever for my Craft & Culture behind-the-scenes followers.
SUNDAY FEB 23, 2020
Get your invitation PLUS access to my premium private podcast feed available exclusively via Patreon for $5 per month starting in 2020.
That’s at thecreativeimpostor.com/craftandculture. Join at the $5/month level OR upgrade to VIP at $49/month to get even more access to my brain on a monthly office hours video chat.
Article Continued
“Whether it’s speech or singing, I do almost always start with breathing and try to get people, you know, finding that deeper, fuller sense of their breath and utilizing it.”
~Wendy Parman
Wendy’s teaching and performing style is a refreshing take in the often harsh, anonymous world of online critiques – those knee-jerk, uninformed responses that inevitably land in YouTube comments, podcast reviews, and post-show Twitter feeds. Side note: if you’ve posted that kind of analysis in the past, Wendy’s insight will give you pause before you do so again. She’ll also arm you with deeper insight into why conditioning the uniqueness out of our voices (or anyone else’s) is a recipe for inauthenticity.
Unpacking that for a moment, Wendy cautions her clients against their desire to sound like someone else. That’s a common fallback position for anyone not yet in command of their power, this belief that forcing Adele’s dark, dramatic tones onto their own will make them more listenable, more successful.
Listenability doesn’t stem from mimicry.
I hear you thinking, “But Andrea, isn’t there a fine line between listenability (or castability if you’re a performer) and standing on principle for my unique sound?” Glad you asked!
Vocal styles (like Paris fashions) go in and out of favor. From flourishes to fry, there’s always a current “it” sound. But if that’s not your sound, don’t force it! Wendy suggests learning how to harness control and foster good technique – think breathwork, warmups, and new-to-me cool-down exercises.
Once you learn how sound is made, you’ll get comfortable with what your voice has to say.
Hire Wendy
See Wendy
Callie’s Solo (web series)
Singer’s Salon Workshop (Hurry! February 23rd)
You’re invited to celebrate 100 episodes with me!
Here’s how…
- Go to thecreativeimpostor.com/titlelist.
- Pick one of the episode titles listed there that resonates with you — it could be because you listened to that episode and it pinged something for you — or maybe you didn’t even listen to the episode, it’s just the phrase that holds some meaning.
- Write (200-300 words) or record audio (2-3min) -ish of a short story about how that phrase, idea, episode either influenced you or has shown up for you in your creative life or work. You don’t need to do any editing. Even just a voice memo on your phone will be great.
- Email it to me andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com by March 15th, 2020.
I know, I know, if you are not already a podcaster, recording your voice for public consumption may feel terrifying. Let me assure you that since you are a part of The Creative Impostor community, your story is going to be relevant to other listeners in this community. If you share genuinely and authentically you will get nothing but love and knowing head nods back.
Also sharing your insights, wins, fears, major failures, resilience, discoveries can be SO liberating and affirming. (truthfully, this is one of the main reasons I podcast.)
And if you really want to contribute but you still feel too uncomfortable, you can always ask me to read or play your story anonymously.
Of course if you want to shout your website, blog, etsy shop, podcast etc from the rooftops, include where we can find you so I can shout it from the rooftops!
Connect with me!
Email or Voice andrea@thecreativeimpostor.com
Facebook Group The Creative Impostor
Facebook Page @andreaklunder.creative
Instagram: @andreaklunder
LinkedIn: @andreaklunder (I only accept connections from people I actually know, so include a message to say you’re a Creative Impostor listener.)
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