I thought it would be time to give a small update on something I’ve done that was attempt to give my confidence a boost, expand the number of options available to me as a writer and content creator, and expand into a new venture of storytelling. That avenue I am exploring is the world of audio.
For some, this may come naturally to them. However, if you are like me, and have an equal fear of how others perceive your voice and of public speaking, then it is not so straightforward. I’ve never been a good talker (I’m not a social person). Further, speaking to others in a crowd turns me into week-old spam. And then, there is me mincing and mixing up my words, followed by the way I speak, the hissing of Ps and Ss, and, most annoying of all, a boring, monotone voice that put sleeping cats into comas. So, before I even get to the concept of recording audio, I’ve set myself up on a very tall order.
The Benefits of A Good Voice
Being a storyteller means you should have some excellent methods of communication. This is true if you wish to be interviewed, either in real life or on radio or television. Not only that, it opens up doors of opportunity that you otherwise would not have before.
Like many people, I dread the sound of my voice when it is played back to me. It makes some people feel insecure or self-conscious, especially when they realize the voice that they hear as they speak or sing is not necessarily what others hear.
I kind of fall in that camp. However, talking is something I do regularly to people in the place I work, both customers and employers. Although I hate the sound of my digital voice, I have to live with it, and I shouldn’t feel bad about it, because it’s clear that the people I talk to don’t mention it or basically care. I realized that some time ago and decided I would try to improve that self-image of mine and try to not feel as self-conscious as I should be.
I decided that this is an opportunity to not only improve my speaking ability but also open a few doors. Over the course of a few pay cheques, I bought myself a microphone that takes XLR and an audio interface (for future projects), set up a very amateur studio, then got to work.
Podcasting?
I decided that the mode of regaining my confidence in speaking would take the form of a mock radio show or podcast. I’ve always loved the concept of radio as a broadcasting medium. So, a podcast setup would be an ideal way to train myself. Not only does it get me talking, but I could aim for something interesting and listen back on it.
I thought about an ideal podcast I had in mind. I would make say a few minutes on a topic, then share a story. I did two rounds—one where I read a topic from a script, and one where I spoke freely.
It was an experience I did not initially like.
I’ve not done any form of broadcasting in my life. The feeling that someday I put out a recording that people would listen to is quite daunting, and it makes me nervous. What I recorded was full of jitters and nerves filled with “ums” and “ams” and all kinds of vocal ticks. I wasn’t feeling confident.
However, I listened to the recordings repeatedly, and over time, I became a little more comfortable with how I sounded. I still have a lot of natural speaking problems (even with a windsock and a pop filter). Better setups can address that.
I did it again after a while, focusing on my lips and strengthening my voice and trying to get that radio voice. It takes work, but I am improving. The second round of recordings doesn’t seem so bad. It still sounds pretty bad, and I sound like I don’t care.
Does it work?
The more I listen to the recordings and the more I keep doing mindless podcast exercises that no one else will hear, the more my voice becomes varied and warm. I felt better. I have yet to get over my fear of public speaking, but I am inching my way forward.
I’ve gotten to where if I keep recording and practising my voice and projecting confidence in myself to the audience (which is myself), then soon, I can project a topic and story with confidence to an audience that is not me.
When I decided I wanted to be a writer and a storyteller, I thought about the ways to deliver content to the masses. I knew that social awkwardness and fear of speaking would be big barriers to overcome. As with writing and uploading has given me a few percent hits in the battle to overcome those problems, doing these podcast audio exercises has shown it is possible for me to pursue an audio venture where I am the star of the show.
Are You Going to Podcast?
You know, it’s possible. A storytelling podcast. If I can get to the level where I am not embarrassed and self-conscious and lacking in quality, then I certainly may get into the business. It would be a great way to express myself in another form other than text. I could reach a bigger audience and get even more feedback.
If you have an interest in speaking but are afraid to or you cringe at the sound of your voice, try what I did: create a mock radio program or podcast where you are the host, and talk about whatever. Does it sound bad? Sure. Listen to it over and over. Then record some more. Make it known to yourself you are getting better. Confidence will build. Then record and listen some more. Believe you can make it, and you will make it.
The experiment certainly motivated me and gave me some confidence I never knew I had. It may do the same to you.