Self-care has been a huge trend across a range of industries for 2018, but why only has it only been hyped up for women’s channels, and not for men? Men indulge in self-care daily, whether that’s watching sports, having some game time in the man cave, or upgrading your grooming routine. Focusing on your self-confidence is also an integral part of that process.
While women are pushed “self-love” daily, men are expected to come with confidence as a package deal, when they’re born. But empowering yourself and being truly comfortable in your skin, inside and out, is a challenge for men and women alike.
Therapy is a trigger word for many – but what if we told you that going to a voice coach could be just as effective as going to a life coach?
We sat down with vocal coach Elissa Weinzimmer to talk about the ways in which taking ahold of your voice can result in both mindfulness, and improved self-esteem.
“It depends on the level of awareness, but there is some work with the self involved, which requires a bit of digging. Initially, I focused on vocal coaching on a practical exercise level, but quickly realized that the work is completely psychological, with an underlying worry of not being enough.”
Weinzimmer reflects on a recent client, whose job revolved around giving presentations and talking to people on a regular basis, online or in person. “He felt as though he wasn’t a commanding presence in the room, and hence wasn’t representing his company well. When it came down to the nitty gritty, he was pretty transparent about not liking the sound of his voice. On some level, that boils down to an “I don’t like myself” rhetoric that we had to change around.”
Meditation is a frequent tool she uses to help clients – it’s a bigger part of retraining the nervous system to feel more comfortable inside your own body and mind, and believe that you’re worthy of taking up space. While she doesn’t have official therapy training as a vocal coach, Weinzimmer ruminates that she often identifies as a voice therapist, due to the all-encompassing nature of the work.
“Every single client who comes to me, whether its for voice or presence issues – the struggle boils down to confidence and how much you like yourself.”
Vocal coaching won’t just help uncover the voice that is truly yours – it will help you trust your inner wisdom more, whether that’s in heart, body or mind. Some vulnerability will be involved, but that sharing (when done in a genuine way) can help dissolve shame or a feeling of unimportance.
“When allowing ourselves to be vulnerable in a healthy way, that can lead to honesty and connection.”
We’re used to walking through life according to what we’ve learned and been taught before. Which, as we’ve discussed before, can exacerbate damaging stereotypes and problematic mentalities. Voice coaching teaches you to take a step back and relearn all that, as well as delving into the “how” of expression, and the ways we express ourselves.
Our voice is how we talk to the world, and a massive part of our identity. It’s how we communicate who we are to everyone around us, and a means of interacting with other human beings. Your voice is a way to express and identify your actual desires, and approach them in a mindful way.
“When you put communication back in the world, people respond, and it opens a door.”
Whether you need a leg up in your relationship, the work place, or with friends and family, voice coaching might be the functional pathway to success that you never considered before.
Learn more about Elissa and the journey of vocal coaching at voicebodyconnection.com
