New Voice or an Unheard Voice?

There is no coincidence; this is a conscious decision to reflect on my recent talk as a New Voice – a previously unheard one.

At the start of the summer holidays, I was fortunate to be in the virtual presence of nine women. We shared our diverse experiences as women in education.  It was the first event as a national team for #WomenEdEngland. Not always being heard, our new voices were amplified. We shared our journeys and promoted leadership.

Who are #WomenEd?

#WomenEd formed in 2015 with the aim to connect women leaders on Twitter.  It is a global grassroots movement of volunteers who connect, support and empower aspiring and existing women leaders in education.  Driven by eight core values, known as their 8Cs: Clarity, Communication, Connection, Confidence, Collaboration, Community, Challenge and Change, one of WomenEd’s key aims, is to encourage women to use their voice to inspire, lead and reshape education.

10% Braver

When my coach Christalla Jamil asked me to speak at WomenEdEngland’s first event: New Voices, I seized the opportunity. I agreed to be 10% Braver in order to share my experience with others. Naturally, I opted to speak about the value of communication. And value, communication has indeed; it is arguably one of the most crucial life skills we have. Without it – there would not be growth or personal development. 

Public-speaking has not always come naturally for me.  Being an introvert, I tend to have a stream of conversations in my mind, with spin-offs, outcomes and comebacks, yet many of these discussions or debates never pass my lips. Over the recent years, this has begun to transform.  Although, I still observe from the side-lines my opinion is almost always communicated. I am aware that this is an oxymoron but it is the truth. So yes, using my voice is very important to me.  Too many times, I have experienced the consequences of holding back and not using it. Equally, I have been fortunate to witness how using my voice to share my experiences in a personal way has encouraged and helped others. Recently, what I have come to realise is that speaking up for what I believe in has an impact on others.  Communication causes a ripple effect.

Use Your Voice to Speak Up

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.

Martin Luther King Jr.

This quote has been weaving its way around social media, since the heinous killing of George Floyd in June. This encourages affirmative action in support the Black Lives Matter movement. However, I am using this as a reminder, that this should apply to us every single day of our lives. Your voice matters!

Your Voice is Your Superpower

During the WomenEdEngland talk, I spoke about the power of the voice.  Your voice is your super power! To be honest the power really only comes from using it.  A pen is useless unless you pick it up and begin to move it to make marks on the paper. Just like a pen, we must use our voice. Some people, are highly confident with using their voice internally but we must learn to practise using our external voice effectively. There have been numerous periods in my life when I have remained silent on matters that were important to me – matters that I cared about – yet I sat back (at times recoiled) before ranting when an outcome was reached, a decision was made or I felt like something happened to me beyond my control. 

• How many times has the lack of speaking up come at a cost?
• When has not using your voice held you back?
• What were the challenges? What were the consequences?
• Who has been a victim to your voice?

Like any instrument, our voices need fine tuning in order to be fully appreciated when listened to.  But the intention is key.

Watch the full recording and let me know in the comments your answer to the challenge.

In a recent podcast [i] interview, where vulnerability and laughter was being explored, the film-maker and comedian, Judd Apatow shared simple yet wise words,

The greatest gift you can give other people is your story.

Judd Apatow

So as I begin this journey of expressing my views and sharing how I am using my voice I hope that you may gain moments of insight and encouragement to use yours.

If you are interested in finding out more about WomenEd and their work click here.

[i] Podcast – Unlocking Us with Brené Brown – Brené with Judd Apatow On Vulnerability and Laughter