I Am Quiet
Being quiet is something I've come to develop over time, and it has both it's advantages and disadvantages. Being quiet can come in handy when I'm talking to someone about something serious, as I'm usually able to find the voice that fits the situation perfectly. It also works to somewhat shock some people when I speak up or raise my voice, as they're usually used to me not saying much, and if I do it's very low and somber-like. One of the places that being quiet isn't that helpful is when I'm teaching, especially teaching the kids. Kids get distracted very easily, so to keep their attention on you while teaching you have to make your voice 'fun'. The key to doing that is by changing the pattern, inflection, loudness, etc. frequently to keep them engaged in what you're saying. I really struggle at this, as it seems like my voice only has three different modes: quiet, loud, and louder. Not ideal, but oh well. Every week, I try to work on making my voice better at keeping attention, and it's definitely a slow process. I would like to somewhat move away from being a quiet person, but not entirely, as it's upsides can be very useful at times.
Something I have come to terms with a few years ago is that, while improving yourself should always be a focus, that is not the same as changing a part of who you are as a person. I won't lie; there are times where it feels like who I am as a person is not suited to the situation, and changing me is the best solution. However, something I have been working on is that, rather than changing me, I find ways to make me work with the situation.
ReplyDeleteThe example I will use here is the warmups. My style of warmup (as I'm sure you may have realized) is loud and large and focuses on my presence. That works for me, but it will not work for everyone.
There was a warmup you did for one of the kids classes that astounded me; the one where you did not say a word. I won't lie, I thought that was super freaking cool. Unfortunately, I do not believe that is something I can pull off, however. But you did. It was a prime example of making you work with the situation, as I mentioned above, and you may not have even fully realized it.
Of course, only you know you, however. If you think adding "louder" aspects to you will truly benefit yourself, I think you should go for it. But I encourage you to brainstorm more ways to make quiet work, because I believe it can.
(P.S. I have met some remarkably quiet people who can hold attention like no other, so volume does not necessarily need to be the answer there. Tony McKee, to picture an example)
~ Simon K
These are wise words from Sihing Kohut.
ReplyDeleteTeaching, talking, communicating, etc, are not about volume. They are about engagement. If you are engaged, your students will be engaged.
ReplyDeleteEngagement is an attitude. Force adding inflection in your voice is not the way. Getting passionate about what you are doing so that your engagement is 100% will put inflection in your voice. That is the way.
Some great thoughts, in the blog post and the comments. Learning how to use the tools, such as vocal variety, is a good thing. Yet don't lose who you are, or want to be.
ReplyDeleteYears ago I remember my dad reading a poem to me called "The Man from Snowy River" and how much it struck me the way he used his voice and timing to convey as much of the story as the words he was saying. That is a skill worthy of mastery as well.
Being quiet does not mean your presence is not felt.
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