Description: Vocal expression is a part of nearly everyone's workday, yet most of us are unaware of how much influence our voice exerts over our effectiveness. Even before the content of our speech is processed, others make assumptions about who we are based not so much on what we say but how we say it our voice quality, facial expression, and physical posture. Though many of us feel self-conscious about our voices, we have no mechanism for making a lasting, authentic, effective shift in how we express ourselves vocally. McAfee's work shows how we can deliberately marshal the power of our voices to support our intentions, aspirations, and relationships. She identifies five different vocal tones or qualities - Earth, Fire, Water, Metal, and Air - explaining how to cultivate each voice and when and when not to use it (for example, don't use an Air voice if you're trying to persuade a roomful of skeptics - use your Fire voice). She shows how heightened awareness of our voice can promote a deeper and broader understanding of who we are, the limits we place on our identity, and the choices we make about how we appear to others. "Full Voice" offers a clear and tested process for stretching well beyond the comfort zone of our regular speech into the full range of sound available. Readers will explore the edges and colors of their vocal ranges in a playful, embodied, and authentic way, and can incorporate new skills into their daily work and personal lives.
Review:
Praise for Full Voice:
"I've worked side by side with Barbara for many years and witnessed the brilliance of her talents--her strong, soaring voice that she so skillfully uses to encourage others to find their voices. I'm so grateful she's written this book so that many more people may discover the gift of giving voice."
--Margaret Wheatley, author of "Leadership and the New Science" and "Perseverance" and coauthor of "Walk Out Walk On"
"The Tibetans speak of body, mind, and voice, rather than body, mind, and spirit. This book offers wise guidance for opening our voices--and spirits--to their full expression."
--Eric Utne, founder, Utne Reader
"A practical and inspirational guide to how we can more fully bring our voice into the world. Barbara McAfee offers tangible ways in which we can strengthen and express our authentic voice."
--Angeles Arrien, Ph.D., cultural anthropologist and author of "The Second Half of Life"
