002: Unleashing your authentic voice
...in the midst of the noise
When was the last time you felt words building that you were desperate to convey—only to have them fade away and left unsaid?
You feel it strongly in your body, that desire. It might be a longing to commit to paper ideas to share with the world. Or maybe, if you’re like me, it arises when you’re in meetings, when you watch others address the room confidently, yet your perspective remains unexpressed.
In those moments, what holds you back? Is it the noises in your head, saying you’re unqualified to speak? The assumption that other people’s opinions are more valuable or intelligent than your own?
Like an old-fashioned analogue radio that has to be manually tuned, your voice can only be heard if you find the right frequency.
In his commencement address at Stanford University, Steve Jobs issued this advice to the graduating Class of 2005 who were about to embark on life after college: ‘Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.’
Think about a time when your fear of what others might think threatened to drown out your voice. What was at stake?
It takes courage to raise your voice above the clamour—courage we don’t always know we have.
We all have defining moments when we’ve had to push through our doubts. Mine came about 10 years ago in a BBC studio in Manchester, UK. I’d been invited to pitch, along with a group of other writers, for a prestigious commission with the BBC to write an audio drama for Radio 4.
The trouble is, I was recovering from pneumonia. Weeks earlier, I’d been in bed for weeks with exhaustion and aching lungs, struggling even to breathe. My voice was a weak croak but I was determined not to miss the opportunity to present my idea (in a mere three minutes) to the BBC Head Commissioner.
I launched into the pitch. In the middle of it, I took one look at the Commissioner’s face and almost gave up. He’s bored, I thought. He hates my idea. I don’t have a chance.
But I misunderstood his facial expressions. It wasn’t distaste or boredom but deep listening. After I’d finished speaking, he fired a rally of questions. When I rasped in response, he had to keep asking me to repeat myself.
But that pitch won me the commission, which culminated in my play The Cloistered Soul being broadcast on BBC Radio 4.
My actual voice might have been fearful and thin, but the transmission was the energy I brought to the pitch: my commitment to my creativity; my passion for the story I’d created; my conviction in my idea.
That inner voice you hear and want to share with the world? That’s the source of your power—if only you can attune to it and believe in your devotion to share it.
Like the static on an old radio, the noise you absorb (the illusory stories in your head and the external messages from the world) are so loud they drown out the purity of your message.
What static are you listening to right now? What would happen if you tuned it out?
Your inner voice is the clear signal waiting to be heard, so that others can tune in and hear it. That voice has its own frequency: your conviction, your passion and your commitment to what you have to share.
I'd love to hear about a time when you found the courage to make your true voice heard despite the noise. What gave you the strength to speak? What happened when you did?
Community inspiration
Your signal is waiting to be heard
Are you tired of being drowned out by external noise and ready to discover the power of your authentic voice? I’ve created a 5-minute meditation to help you listen deeply to your true message—what it is and who it’s for.
Here are some other ways to help you uncover your message and give it the platform it deserves.
Get your words on the page
My friends and long-time collaborators Bec and Chris of
are holding a 7-day writing sprint during February and March—in which you set a writing goal and meet it in daily steps. The authors of Written, Bec and Chris are experts on writing habits and how to keep writing when obstacles get in the way. I’ve worked with and alongside them for years, and thoroughly recommend them and their approach, which I’ve found super-helpful myself.The February sprint is underway but they’re running another one in March. For more details, hit the button below.
Read this story of transformation from a Wordplay community member
I’m blown away by an inspirational story shared I heard recently from Shâo-Lan Yuen, a one-to-one coaching client and a group member in our online writing space. It’s about how she went from a deep reluctance to be visible to standing as a candidate for the UK Parliament in last year’s General Election.
Creative inspiration
Want to explore more about finding and expressing your voice? Here are some further resources to check out:
Books on the topic
Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: one of my all-time favourites—a compassionate, humorous guide to finding your creative voice and pushing through self-doubt.
Quiet: the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking by Susan Cain: an illuminating exploration of how quieter voices can powerfully shape our world. You can read a review of it I wrote (a long time ago now) here.
Inspiring Talks
Here’s the full version of Steve Jobs’ Stanford Commencement Speech, in which he speaks about trusting your inner voice and following your heart.·
Podcasts for your journey
‘The Moth’ focuses on true stories from everyday people told live that demonstrate the power of authentic voices. This episode in particular caught my attention—it collates stories (for ‘The Moth Radio Hour’) in which the speakers reflect on seeing, being seen and seeing themselves ‘with the veil lifted.’
Memorable quote of the week
When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.
—Audre Lorde, American writer, philosopher and civil rights activist
What’s next?
If there’s something you’re longing to create (a writing project, an artistic creation or new venture) but need more courage and guidance, I’m here to support you expand the power of your self-expression.
Here’s how I can help:
Make an appointment for a virtual coffee (free). I hold 3-4 slots every month so we can get to know each other. Perfect if you’re curious about meeting new people and making connections.
Book a 30-minute connection call (free). This is for anyone—whether you have an idea you want to brainstorm, an issue that’s holding you back, or you just want to know more about my work. Think of it as a microdose of powerful coaching that can help point you in the right direction!
Read my manifesto for creative courage (free). Learn about the core principles I work with in my own creativity and business and follow in serial form the journey of how I came to found Wordplay Coaching.
Inquiry of Writing, an intimate group coaching experience. We meet twice a month—in which we use writing as a tool for curiosity, exploration and transformation. Respond to powerful questions, in discussion and in writing; share your experience; get feedback on what you’ve written. Get the support and connection you need to gain clarity about your life and creativity, and develop your confidence. This is currently full but talk to me about joining the waiting list.
Creative Essence 1:1 coaching. Personal guidance to work with you on recognising your survival mechanisms and the fears that hold you back from expressing yourself fully. Twice-monthly deep dives on Zoom plus individualised support between sessions. This is ideal for you if you’re looking for deep transformation and powerful support to make changes in your life or with a creative project.
I love your metaphor of radio noise. I have clear memories of stations impossible to tune perfectly - the signal was too weak and noise too strong. And thus the strong signals were such a relief - just the music or talk with no static. It’s easy to think of those stations as versions of myself. Thank you for this memorable image!
Both of the books in this post had a great influence on me. Thank you for reminding me of them.