Voice, a cheeky dancer

The voice is a mirror that reflects the depths of our souls and reveals itself as a profound tool for deciphering the intricacies of our personalities. Its tone, rhythm, speed, articulation, and resonance serve as clues that unveil the mosaic of emotions, behaviors, and self-confidence we harbor. Through these seemingly subtle elements, the identity of the speaker gradually unfolds, whispering secrets that often go unnoticed.

Listening to our voice becomes an act of profound self-discovery, a journey where sound is transformed into a balm, offering solace, liberation, and delight.

So, listen, with open ears and heart.

Listen closely…

Is the speech gentle? Does the conversation flow effortlessly, punctuated by laughter dancing freely in the air?

In these exchanges, where speech, intention, and freedom intertwine, we feel compelled to linger longer with that person. Here thrives genuine communication, fueled by the pleasure of listening and the art of expressing oneself with simplicity and sincerity.

Though I’m not a speech therapist or a singer, my fascination lies in decoding the personalities and identities woven into each voice. What narratives does that voice carry? What experiences does it echo?

Guided by the wisdom of cherished mentors – Isabel Setti, Monica Montenegro, Andrea Drigo, Carmina Juarez, and Andrea Kaiser – I immersed myself in the complexities of vocal warm-up, vocal cool-down, singing Brazilian popular music, vocal improvisation, and belting. Practices used to enhance expressiveness and vocal comfort. Gradually, I discovered that my throat was only a passage for the voice. And that there was nothing more to do while speaking or singing than to make room in the larynx. Make room in my body to let the truth be conveyed through my voice.

In today’s digital age, the voice has claimed an expansive domain in our lives. However, amidst the cacophony of technological voices – announcing the next bus schedule, alerting us as we cross the street, and through household appliances – we wonder: how does a robot give each word the meaning it carries? How can this conversation between a computer and a user lead us to a possible delight in communication? How do we interact with dispassionate and disjointed voices, devoid of nuance and meaning?

The answer, perhaps, lies in the intersection of these two faculties – linguistics and technology – a confluence of ancient roots and innovations of the near future.

Some authors suggest that the ideal interaction we desire with our electronic companions reflects the authentic connections we seek in our human interactions.

Within the labyrinth of my master’s research, there is a wealth of mysteries waiting to be unraveled. The voice, that agile and cheeky dancer navigating the rivers of our throats, remains an enigma worth exploring, a testament to the limitless depths of human expression.