Pitch Perfect: How Tone Bridges Barriers | Inka Magnaye | TEDxADMU

30 Jul 2024 (4 months ago)

The Power of Voice

Inka Magnaye emphasizes the importance of first impressions and how they are often based on appearances.
She argues that voice creates a lasting impression, shaping how people perceive us even without conscious awareness.
Magnaye highlights the power of the human voice, citing Julian Treasure's statement that it is the most powerful sound in the world, capable of both inspiring change and inciting conflict.
She demonstrates how tone can alter the meaning of words, even when the words themselves remain the same.
Magnaye emphasizes that voice encompasses character, values, and upbringing, reflecting who we are as individuals.
She explains that in her work as a content creator, understanding one's voice is crucial for inspiration, client attraction, and communication with the community.

Magnaye addresses her practice of responding to hate comments, explaining that she sees it as a form of alchemy, transforming negativity into something valuable.
Inka Magnaye acknowledges the hate comments she receives, but instead of agreeing with them, she uses them as motivation to change and encourage others to try new things.
She emphasizes that everyone was a beginner at some point and that sharing her own struggles and failures, like her asthma attack during a physical challenge, helps her connect with her audience.
Magnaye believes that vulnerability and honesty are key to building strong connections in a world where hyperconnectivity can lead to disconnection and division.
She argues that even seemingly insignificant comments can have a powerful influence on others, highlighting the importance of using one's voice for good.
Magnaye uses the metaphor of two wolves, one good and one evil, to illustrate the constant battle within us to choose between negativity and positivity.
She acknowledges that she sometimes succumbs to negativity, but emphasizes the importance of being aware of our choices and feeding the wolf that represents compassion and empathy.
She concludes by emphasizing that everyone has the power to influence others, regardless of their social media presence or following.

Inka Magnaye, a professional voiceover talent, introduces six voiceover skills that can be applied to real-world situations: Relating, Imaging, Variety, Authenticity, Listening, and Silence.
Relating involves sounding like the person you're speaking with to make them feel comfortable and open up. It's about adapting your voice to create a connection.
Imaging is the ability to paint pictures with your words, creating a "theater of the mind" for the listener. This helps them visualize what you're describing and connect with your message.
Variety refers to the patterns of rhythm and sound used in speech, adding depth and meaning to your words. It helps avoid monotony and highlights different aspects of your message.
Authenticity is about being genuine and true to yourself. It builds credibility and trust, making people feel comfortable and connected to you.
Listening is the foundation of effective communication. It allows you to understand the other person's perspective and respond appropriately. It's the basis for developing the other skills.
Listening is a crucial skill that helps us connect with others, understand their perspectives, and learn from them. It allows us to better understand the needs of our communities and be more effective partners, wives, mothers, siblings, and friends.

Silence is another powerful tool, as demonstrated by Inka's father, a seasoned voiceover talent and producer. He believes that silence can be as eloquent as words, conveying emotions and meaning that words alone cannot.
Silence can be used strategically to create tension, highlight words, or emphasize ideas. However, excessive silence can cause unease.
Robert Green, in his book "The 48 Laws of Power," suggests that silence can make one appear more powerful and intimidating.
Mark Twain's famous quote, "It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you're a fool than to open it and remove all doubt," highlights the importance of choosing our words carefully.

Ultimately, the choice of how to use our voice is ours. We can choose to spread negativity, misinformation, or contribute to online noise, or we can use our voices to inspire, advocate, and make a positive impact on the world.
Inka encourages us to use our voices to build a better future, emphasizing the power of tone, empathy, active listening, and communication. She urges us to use our whispers to calm, our shouts to champion, and our silence to listen.
Inka concludes by asking the audience to consider what they want their voices to tell the world.