Know Your Voice

A true Revolutionary must know where her voice lies. There are many ways for women to express themselves, but in general we all fall into either Speakers or Writers. In order to be an effective Revolutionary, a woman must know which voice is her strength. This next addition to the Girls Can’t WHAT? Revolution Guidebook is called “Know Your Voice”.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony are excellent examples of Revolutionaries who knew their voice. This nearly inseparable duo led the Women’s Movement in America in the 1800’s and without them and their faithful supporters, American women probably still wouldn’t have the right to vote. They fought long and hard on every women’s issue imaginable. If you really want a taste of what they accomplished, I highly recommend watching “Not For Ourselves Alone“. It is one of the most amazing documentaries I have ever seen. Much of their success can be attributed to being aware of their gifts and talents.

Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Elizabeth was a Writer. She wrote volume after literal volume on the subjects of women’s rights, abortion and slavery. Although she was no stranger to traveling, she most enjoyed spending time at home with her children. Elizabeth spent many hours in deep thought while going about the daily chores around her home. When she sat down at her desk, those passionate thoughts poured from her pen, producing some of the greatest resources for women’s rights ever written.

“The prejudice against color, of which we hear so much, is no stronger than that against sex. It is produced by the same cause, and manifested very much in the same way. ” ~ Elizabeth Cady Stanton

Susan B. Anthony

Susan’s gift was speaking, but she didn’t start out that way. In fact, Susan was very self-conscious during her younger years. She didn’t like her physical appearance and she didn’t consider herself to be a “public speaker” of any sort. Despite her initial insecurities, Susan developed a passion for women’s rights and that passion coaxed her true voice to come forth. Some of the greatest spontaneous speeches and quotes from the women’s movement of that era came from the mouth of Susan B. Anthony.

“The day will come when men will recognize woman as his peer, not only at the fireside, but in councils of the nation. Then, and not until then, will there be the perfect comradeship, the ideal union between the sexes that shall result in the highest development of the race.” ~ Susan B. Anthony

Can a person be both a Speaker AND a Writer?

Absolutely. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was also a great orator, delivering speeches and speaking her mind publicly on many occasions. The majority of her speeches, however, were a direct result of her writings. She was not prone to improvisation in public settings. Susan B. Anthony was also a writer. Her contributions can be found side by side with Elizabeth’s, but Susan was more likely to be out and about voicing her concerns among the people rather than behind a desk writing down her thoughts. So it is quite possible to be both a speaker and a writer, but no one is skilled equally in both gifts. One will be stronger than the other. As a Revolutionary, you must discover your strongest voice and sharpen it as a treasured tool.

The “Test”

So here’s the test. To find your voice, you must first know your passion. The way you communicate your passion will be an indication of your voice. When you have a fascination for a subject, you can’t help but use your true voice to express it. A basic test for determining your delivery style is to think about communicating your interests and your passions to the next generation. How do you see yourself doing that? Are you writing or speaking? Another way to discover your voice is to look at a situation where you were “backed into a corner”. When you’re up against the wall and you have to come out fighting, your strongest voice will show up. Your gut-reaction method for dealing with an emotionally charged situation will almost always be your preferred style of communication.

“I don’t want to talk about it.”

Those who know me best have probably heard me say those words OVER and OVER again. Why? Because I DON’T want
to “talk”. I am not a conversationalist. Emotional conversations will send me running for the door. I will lock myself up tighter than Fort Knox and literally shut down verbally. If you want to get to know me or find out how I really feel about an issue, then you must engage in my game – and my game is writing. Some of the best conversations I have ever had
have been through instant messaging systems and email. Writing is my preferred voice and the one I am most comfortable using. My best allies know and respect this about me. I am without a doubt, a Writer.

So here’s the latest entry in the Guidebook…

“One of the best strategies in a Revolution is to know your voice. Knowing how you most effectively communicate will keep you strong and energetic. Your voice will exude passion and fire that will only serve to fuel your resolve. Not only will it serve you, but it will serve your Allies. They will better understand you and your position. You will build an effective support team and create an endless supply of motivation. Find your voice.” ~ From the Girls Can’t WHAT? Revolution Guidebook

Special thanks to Amy Stephen for helping me find my voice and to Kel1 for proofreading! :)