Disrupt: The Wild Can Be Human Work

“The wild can be human work” from H is for Hawk by Helen Macdonald

We all live pretty designed lives. We design them to look a certain way and seem a certain way, in ways that are pleasing to us. Interestingly, we design them to deny the most beautiful parts of our animal nature. At the same time, we allow the worst parts of our animal nature to remain and declare those parts unchangeable. It’s a little odd. That beautiful side of our wildness is a type of presence that we all recognize as attractive and true. You know it when you see it and we all want it. It is a type of charge that will infuse your performances with that ever elusive authencity without effort.

This week, practice finding that part of yourself. It may be very near to the surface or very far flung so be patient. You will find it in nature so take a hike, listen to bird song, sit by the water, watch dogs or toddlers at play. Do it alone without music, audio books, podcasts, or even a phone in hand — just you. Try to lose yourself in it and when you find yourself aware again launch into a snippet of text. This can be your elevator pitch or a snippet of text from a presentation or song. Don’t think about, don’t prepare — just launch. Note the differences. Try it again at a later time and continue to invite your wild side in.

Gina Razón is the principal voice specialist at GROW Voice LLC, a full-service voice and speech studio in Boston’s Back Bay.  She has over 16 years of experience both as a teacher of voice and speech, and a voraciously curious voice user.  Gina has worked professionally as a classical singer for over a decade and more recently as a professional public speaker.  For more information on the studio or to book Gina visit www.growvoice.com.