Connecting To Donors With Your Voice (Removing voice masks)

Voice coach Tracy Goodwin explores the critical role of voice in nonprofit communication. She introduces the concept of "voice masks"—invisible barriers we create with our voice due to insecurities—and discusses how these affect authenticity and connection. Tracy shares her unique journey into voice coaching and offers practical advice for using one's true voice to enhance engagement and impact in the nonprofit sector, emphasizing that the voice is a powerful tool for genuine connection.

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Tracy 's path to becoming a voice coach was both unconventional and compelling. Despite growing up in a household where children were seen and not heard, her natural inclination and skill in vocal expression led her into acting and directing. It was here that she discovered her gift for coaching voices, describing her entry into the field as "kicking and screaming" due to her familial conditioning. This background uniquely positions her to understand the unspoken nuances of voice and how they can be pivotal in representing or misrepresenting one's true self. 

You’ll discover one of Tracy’s key insights during the show is the idea of "voice masks," a concept she describes with clarity and passion: "Voice masks are like Halloween masks. They are meant to hide our identity but they're invisible. They're just an armor of sound that we pick up and put on in certain circumstances." This analogy strikingly captures how individuals often modify their voice in professional settings or due to insecurities, impacting authentic communication. 

Tracy goes on to passionately argue that these masks and altered vocal expressions often prevent genuine connections. She illustrates this with an example of a man who altered his voice to prove his worth, inadvertently creating barriers in his business relationships. This invisible armor, she explained, can cost us dearly in terms of connection and authenticity. 

She also introduces you to the concept of "voice stories," the subconscious scripts that dictate our vocal expressions from a young age, influenced by our environments and experiences.  Tracy’s approach is to unearth these stories, helping individuals reconnect with their true vocal identity and thereby enhance their communicative impact. 

This revealing discussion is not just theoretical; it is full of practical implications, especially for the nonprofit sector, where communication plays a crucial role in fundraising and community engagement.  You’ll find Tracy’s advice clear and actionable, nudging you to embrace your own authentic voices rather than conform to perceived expectations.

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