092: Think of yourself as a vocal professional with Wendy Parman

Episode 092. "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 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.  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.   Get the full show notes including all things Wendy Parman at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/092 Join me at Podfest! March 6-8, 2020. Orlando, FL. I’ll be there with lots and lots of very kind very fun very pod-loving’ people who not only welcoming but passionate and knowledgable about the BOTH the craft and culture of podcasting.  Sunday morning, I’ll be offering an interactive session called Let Your Voice Shine! — practice fining more freedom and flexibility with your BEST piece of podcasting gear. Learn how to use that unique voice of yours to podcast. Join me at http://www.thecreativeimpostor.com/craftandculture You’re invited to celebrate 100 episodes of The Creative Impostor 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 [email protected] by March 1, 2020. Connect with me  Email or Voice  [email protected] Facebook Group The Creative Impostor Facebook Page @andreaklunder.creative Instagram: @andreaklunder Oh HEY! I’m on LinkedIn… dropping pro podcasting tips, insights, and stories. Connect with me there and let me know you’re a Creative Impostor listener.