""Authenticity" is a know-it-when-you-see-it feeling. But to me, authenticity just means communicating with your unfiltered voice, in a way that makes your intentions clear."
This is a great take, Kara. I have a micro essay sitting in a folder somewhere that I've never been bold enough to publish. I wrote it when I was getting a little bullied by the terms "authentic self" and "one true voice" being tossed around, as if there is just one way to be or speak authentically. What I find, when navigating a world like Substack or social media, alongside business communications and personal interactions, is that I need a few different voices to connect with intention in all those different places! All the voices are mine! 🙂 But the audiences are different, so just as you wouldn't talk to a room full of strangers the same way you'd talk to a group of friends, I think there's room for our voices to ... modulate ... to make our intentions known to the right people at the right time. So, I appreciate the way you put this very much. I also think it's important for us not to let others determine what THEY think our authentic voice is. We're the only ones that can really know-it-when-we-feel-it. 💜
Yes yes yes! I so appreciate these nuances and the way you've teased them out. I think as long as we are communicating as clearly as possible, and not "putting on a voice" (which I've done...) then there's always the possibility of connection. Too true as well, that we know it when we feel it. Here's to more of THAT.
This one hit close to home. As someone who's done commissioned writing for marketing communications, I've completely lost my voice. Where do I begin reclaiming it?
I completely understand — you can get so good at writing for one specific audience that you forget it’s not the only audience. One piece of advice I’ve always loved is to write a letter (or an article, or a song, etc) to one person. Think of someone who’s very familiar to you, who you can be comfortable with, and write casually and naturally to them (literally or figuratively). See if that voice feels different than the marketing voice. Another thing I try to do is insert a bit of play, or humor. Even if the first draft comes out dry, I’ll go back and say “can I change five words to make this more fun”? Usually just a few words can make a big difference in voice. Let me know if this might help…I know you can find it.
I think I have multiple voices. The marketing voice, which I once resisted and now regret. My earnest voice that dominated my younger days. And the voice I am working to discover now.
I love that…different flavors of the same true self. It’s funny, I feel like I’ve gotten much more earnest now, and my writing 20 years ago was more cynical and punchy! Appreciate your diligence in seeking and discovering.
""Authenticity" is a know-it-when-you-see-it feeling. But to me, authenticity just means communicating with your unfiltered voice, in a way that makes your intentions clear."
This is a great take, Kara. I have a micro essay sitting in a folder somewhere that I've never been bold enough to publish. I wrote it when I was getting a little bullied by the terms "authentic self" and "one true voice" being tossed around, as if there is just one way to be or speak authentically. What I find, when navigating a world like Substack or social media, alongside business communications and personal interactions, is that I need a few different voices to connect with intention in all those different places! All the voices are mine! 🙂 But the audiences are different, so just as you wouldn't talk to a room full of strangers the same way you'd talk to a group of friends, I think there's room for our voices to ... modulate ... to make our intentions known to the right people at the right time. So, I appreciate the way you put this very much. I also think it's important for us not to let others determine what THEY think our authentic voice is. We're the only ones that can really know-it-when-we-feel-it. 💜
Yes yes yes! I so appreciate these nuances and the way you've teased them out. I think as long as we are communicating as clearly as possible, and not "putting on a voice" (which I've done...) then there's always the possibility of connection. Too true as well, that we know it when we feel it. Here's to more of THAT.
🥂
This one hit close to home. As someone who's done commissioned writing for marketing communications, I've completely lost my voice. Where do I begin reclaiming it?
I completely understand — you can get so good at writing for one specific audience that you forget it’s not the only audience. One piece of advice I’ve always loved is to write a letter (or an article, or a song, etc) to one person. Think of someone who’s very familiar to you, who you can be comfortable with, and write casually and naturally to them (literally or figuratively). See if that voice feels different than the marketing voice. Another thing I try to do is insert a bit of play, or humor. Even if the first draft comes out dry, I’ll go back and say “can I change five words to make this more fun”? Usually just a few words can make a big difference in voice. Let me know if this might help…I know you can find it.
Love the ideas. Will try them both out and report the results. Thanks.
Can’t wait to hear about it!
I think I have multiple voices. The marketing voice, which I once resisted and now regret. My earnest voice that dominated my younger days. And the voice I am working to discover now.
I love that…different flavors of the same true self. It’s funny, I feel like I’ve gotten much more earnest now, and my writing 20 years ago was more cynical and punchy! Appreciate your diligence in seeking and discovering.