Getting Lost In Your Voice

I remember the first time I wrote something in someone else’s voice. I was in college working for (the very best) on-campus office that planned, organized, and managed fun events and social gatherings for our University. You may be lost thinking, “okay wait, social gatherings and writing don’t exactly go hand in hand”. To which I would say, “why yes, you bring a great point into question.” 🤷🏻‍♀️

We had a very small school where groups overlapped and most people knew one another on a face-basis. The upper administration held numerous award ceremonies and banquets, more than I can remember. One of these banquets was to honor students known for all-around achievement. So, I was given the task to write an awards speech for upper administration to honor each of these students. I received a few guidelines and talking points, but generally knew nothing of these students. I had never even seen their faces. My task was to write a speech telling everyone how wonderfully accomplished and honorable they were. From someone else’s voice.

My feelings were this: HELL YEAH. Wait, are you sure?!

I attended that very awards ceremony and heard my, err *the*, eloquent speeches spoken. The best part was watching the faces of the honorees, beaming with pride. It was cool, it was absurd, and it started me on a path of many many more opportunities to write in someone else’s voice.

Since then, I’ve been hired to write for other people in a broad range of careers. Some of these include doctors, an expert in men’s fashion, businessmen, ministry leaders, fashion designers, and a cookbook author.

I grew up in theatre, so I have discovered that this is a form of acting. Ghostwriting is just me getting lost in someone else’s voice. For a brief moment, I take on more than their voice, but also their whole persona. Honestly, I love it, and I think I’m decent at it too.

This is where I got confused. I started working on my personal blog after some time and I felt paralyzed. I was stuck in my mind unable to access my voice. Like a sea of people in New York City, I saw only faces and was paralyzed by total sensory overload. I started writing and stopped and gawked in shame then deleted it. Then again. And again. Then I said, “Chels, your audience is your friends. We’re all in a global crisis. Just write something fun.” So I posted about why I love my dog. Was I rusty? Yes. Was I proud of it? Moderately. Did I feel a thrill sharing it with my community? YES, I DID.

The art of writing, in my humble experience, is getting lost in your voice. That’s what I did with other people, and that’s what I have to do with myself. More often than not, our most honest thoughts come out when we’re lost. We must lose expectations and ego. I believe that the vulnerability of being lost beckons truth.

In writing (and speaking)… (and relationships), we must start the process before we’re comfortable. That’s why we have first drafts, and gracious friends.

Practice using your voice by getting lost in it first. Whether you’re writing a blog, giving a talk, or having a conversation it helps to throw all your thoughts on the page before you commit. Journaling is a great way to start!