Discrimination in the workplace can take on many forms, including race, gender, age, and accent. While it is unfortunate that discrimination still exists in our society, vocal coaching can be a powerful tool to help minimise it.
For people of colour and women, there can be added challenges in the workplace when it comes to being taken seriously and being heard. A study conducted in 2012* found that people tend to perceive individuals with deeper voices as more dominant, trustworthy, and competent. Unfortunately, this can lead to people of colour and women being overlooked or not taken seriously simply because of the sound of their voice.
Vocal coaching can help to address these biases by training individuals to use their voice in a way that commands attention and respect. This can include developing a more confident and assertive tone, using strategic pauses and intonation to emphasise key points, and eliminating filler words and vocal tics that can diminish the impact of a message.
Furthermore, vocal coaching can also help individuals with accents to improve their pronunciation and clarity, thereby reducing the likelihood of being misunderstood or dismissed based on their accent alone. Accents can be a rich part of someone’s identity and cultural heritage, and vocal coaching should never aim to eliminate them entirely. Instead, it can help individuals to speak in a way that is clear and easily understood, while still retaining their unique voice and personality.
By providing individuals with the tools and skills to present themselves confidently and effectively, vocal coaching can help to level the playing field in the workplace and reduce discrimination based on factors such as race, gender, age, and accent. It can also help to promote diversity and inclusivity by celebrating and valuing the unique voices and experiences of all individuals.
In conclusion, vocal coaching can play an important role in minimising discrimination in the workplace. By helping individuals to present themselves confidently and effectively, regardless of their background or accent, Blond Voices can create a more equal and inclusive working environment.
* Sounds like a winner: voice pitch influences perception of leadership capacity in both men and women
Casey A. Klofstad,1,* Rindy C. Anderson,2 and Susan Peters2