Whether
it be an Amy Schumer parody, an NPR thoughtful “trialogue,” a linguist, doctor,
student or an ex-Google executive’s take, this summer’s media tsunami over whether
the way women speak affects how they are perceived continues to splash up on
our shores. But like sand in your bathing suit, why is the issue so irritating
and why is it creating such a rash?
We’ve obviously hit
a (vocal) nerve. We all want to speak in
a way that inspires confidence – that compels others to listen. To build rapport, to gain consensus, to be civil in
our discourse, many women (including yours truly) use uptalk, filler words (so,
like, ya know?) and apologies as a more humane way of communicating. But the fact is, for better or worse, the way we speak does affect how we are perceived. Today’s verbal fashion trends – vocal habits including
filler words, up-talk, vocal fry and incessant apologizing -- are contagious and pervasive. They weaken our speech, making us sound unsure, and yes,
maybe even incapable.
Suffice
to say, I am fascinated by this summer’s voice-patrol-mania, the abundance of
coverage, the positions taken, bragging rights, and the breadth of outlets that
are making this issue their feature story.
With my own
#sayitlikeyoumeanit mantra and blog – I’ve had my ear to the sand, tracking the
coverage.
So, who is winning the media war over the way women speak?
So, who is winning the media war over the way women speak?
