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Meridith Grundei

Does your voice shake?

food truck

Two years ago, I was standing outside at the National Mall in DC, waiting in line for what felt like an eternity to order a hamburger from one of the many food trucks. Just as I was about to step up to the window to place my order, a tall man stepped in front of me and placed his. This had happened to me before, and I usually brushed it off, but there was something different about this time, and I wasn't going to let it slide. So, I stepped forward right beside him, looked up, and said with my heart pounding and my voice shaking,


"Excuse me, but you just cut in front of me, and I have been standing here for a while now."


He looked at me and said,


"I am so sorry. I didn't see you. Please, let me buy your lunch."


Normally, I would have said, "No, that's okay," but this time, I chose to graciously but unapologetically accept and walked away with my burger and a smile for having stood up for myself.


Have you ever found yourself in a situation where you wanted to speak up but felt your voice shaking with nerves?


This is a common experience, especially when we're faced with unexpected or uncomfortable situations. Our voices can shake due to a surge of adrenaline, which is part of the body's natural "fight or flight" response. This response can cause physical reactions such as a racing heart, shallow breathing, and trembling.


For many people, this can happen not only in spontaneous situations like mine but also during public speaking engagements.


As public speakers, understanding this physiological reaction is key to managing it. One effective way to calm the nerves and steady your voice is through deep breathing techniques, which help to regulate your breathing and reduce adrenaline.


Practicing your speech multiple times, can also boost your confidence, making you feel more prepared and less anxious.


This experience doesn't just apply to public speaking. Using our voice effectively is crucial in various situations like conference rooms, meetings, and one-on-one interactions.


In a conference room, speaking clearly and confidently can help ensure your ideas are heard and taken seriously.


In meetings, actively participating and expressing your thoughts can demonstrate your enthusiasm and leadership.


During one-on-one interactions, using a calm and steady voice with genuine eye-contact, can help build rapport and trust.


Reflecting on my story, standing up for yourself, even when your voice shakes, is a powerful reminder of the importance of using your voice. Whether you're addressing a room full of people or having a private conversation, the ability to communicate effectively is so important.


Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it that can make all the difference.

Your voice matters! ✨

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