One of the more remarkable words is the word “intimate.” The Latin root word is “intimus” which in part means intrinsic or essential. No matter what culture or what walk of life we come from or live in, the word “intimate” means the same thing. One of the reasons this is important is that it doesn’t matter what language we speak, there is nothing more intimate than the human voice. It is— our insides and our outsides.
In every conversation, in every communication, at some level, conscious or otherwise, many of us feel that we are “wearing the Emperor’s new clothes.” We feel exposed—revealed. This is reflected hundreds of times a day, i.e. when we share an idea we may wonder what someone thinks about us, or we have challenge making eye contact or we hold our breath or tighten our jaw because we feel intimidated or that a situation is not in our control. These and many other examples occur every day, everywhere because human discourse is habit. Our identity is largely conveyed through our voice. The word “phersu” is an ancient Etruscan root word, which is the root of the word “persona,” and it means “through the sound.”
Back to intimacy. Having just begun my 45th year of teaching my work, Vocal Awareness®, in virtually every strata of society and many parts of the planet, I recognize that voice is the common denominator. Voice is the least understood and perhaps most important aspect of who we are as human beings. Our voice is what tells everybody everything about us—even when we don’t want it to. Our voice reflects our joy, our fear, our awkwardness, our ease. It can threaten and attempt to control. It can be submissive and be dominated by another voice/person.
In Vocal Awareness® I have committed to helping us be in charge of our communication. I have committed to teaching all who will listen how to be in charge of their own broadcast system—how to integrate their inner Voice through their outer voice and how to master the communication not just of the message, but of the messenger.
Toward fulfillment of my mission, which is to change the world through voice, I have created a series of workshops for the Abundance Network in Oceanside, CA, with the coordination of its passionate founder, Mardi Boone. April 4th is the next in a year-long series. Entitled “Intimacy,” it will be a most enthralling day of profoundly personal and revelatory discoveries. We will perhaps begin the day open and excited but truly unaware of the possibilities that await us, and emerge—at day’s end—transformed and empowered, no longer unaware or in fear of who we are, but rather now able to embrace and embody the full power of our voice—the intimate essence of who we are, in every communication.
Arthur Samuel Joseph, M.A. is recognized as one of the world’s leading authorities on the human voice and its training. For over four decades, his Vocal Awareness® System for integrating the Self through vocal training has helped thousands of performers, singers, broadcast professionals, corporate leaders, politicians, students and others discover the power and magic of their natural voices. Numerous articles, CDs, DVDs, eBooks and online courses accessible at www.vocalawareness.com/ .
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