Voice

It always came back to voice in my writing classes--develop your own voice, honor your voice with words, revise without losing your voice. To writers, voice is our distinct fingerprints.

It translates to the speaker's voice. When we talk, how we use words define our patterns. Do we insert 'like', 'uhs...', 'ums...', 'and that', 'you know' often, perhaps too many times? Do nerves affect us and how badly? To speakers, voice is a determining line.

It translates to our leaders. When they write, speak, act, they create a voice for the people they represent. Do we agree? Is the message what we would want, wish, hope to convey? To leaders, voice is possibility coupled with reality.

Voice defines how we are perceived. Voice defines how we communicate. Voice defines who we are.

An amazing writer, Zadie Smith, realizes the power of voice all too well, and delivered a smart, provocative article about the voice of our new president. It is well worth the read.


Time: 20 minutes, 30 seconds
Place: Hilly Quarry
Weather: Colder
Distance: 2 miles
Feeling: Recovery!
Overall grade: B