Voices with Scars

Technology can help us become clearer, more accurate, and more polished.

But can we become too polished?

In this reflection, I talk about speaking, writing, Toastmasters, artificial intelligence, and something a recording-studio owner told me years ago. He said they were looking for “voices that have scars on them”—voices recognizable as human.

That idea seems even more important today.

AI can help us edit. Technology can remove the pauses, stumbles, filler words, awkward phrasing, and imperfections. Much of that is useful. I use these tools myself.

But I don't want to polish away the person.

Human communication includes vulnerability. Sometimes we stumble over a word. Sometimes we pause. Sometimes we laugh at ourselves, correct ourselves, and keep going.

So use the tools. Learn the craft. Count the ums and ahs. Check the facts. Get clearer. Get better.

But leave a few scars on the voice.

Read the full essay on Medium:

https://medium.com/@tomsims/voices-with-scars-on-them-062b70efeb46?sk=d94eebe9537fd3451624a23e134fce94

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Turkeys

What is the most unique way you have ever prepared a turkey? How did it turn out.

What other foods have you enjoyed for Thanksgiving dinner? What will you have this year?

Why do they call him "Tom Turkey?" Can you think of any better names for a turkey? What if it is a hen?

Compare a turkey dinner to a turn-key operation. Which is better?

What are some of the ways you use leftover turkey?

Have you ever used or heard used "you turkey" as a negative referring to a person? Where does that come from? Why is someone a "turkey" and not some other animal?

Vacations

Our club's theme this week is "vacations." That leads me down a path of curiosity about vacations past, present, and future.

1. What is the strangest vacation you ever experienced? What made it strange.

2. What was your most memorable vacation? Why?

3. What is your dream vacation? Describe it.

4. If you were to take 3 people from history with you on a vacation, who would they be? Why?

5. What do you enjoy doing most on vacation.

6. Tell us a story about a vacation disaster?

7. Was there every a vacation in your memory that had some unexpected twists and turns?

8. What are your vacation plans for this summer?

Swine Flew

We are embroiled in some legitimate concern over the possibility of a swine flu pandemic and that is not really funny. However, the phrase calls to mind the adage about pigs flying. A flying pig is a symbol of an impossible event coming to pass.

This brings to mind some questions:

Is worldwide pandemic a flying pig scenario? If so, how do we respond? If not, how do we respond?

Have you ever seen a pig fly? What previously thought-to-be impossibilities have actually come to pass for you or around you?

What "pigs" in your life would you like to see fly? (in other words, what impossibilities would you like to see become possible)? What can you do to help them become possible?

You have heard the terms "worst case scenario" and "best case scenario." Choose a situation in your business environment that could go either way and describe your responses and the possible outcomes.

Has Spring Sprung?

What are your favorite springtime activities? What makes them special to you?

Are there some things you tell yourself every year that you will do in spring but never get around to doing? Why?

Spring has actually been with us for a while. Are you behind? How? Why?

What role do seasons and deadline play in your life and planning?