Using Your Voice – a message for Women’s Equality Day (August 26th)

You likely know the name Susan B. Anthony. Maybe you have even heard of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, but do you know the name Carrie Chapman Catt? Or Alice Paul? All gave voice to the suffrage movement that ultimately led to the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, granting women the right to vote. By resolution of Congress in 1971, August 26th is designated Women’s Equality Day and commemorates the passage of the 19th Amendment. This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment.

Voting gave women a voice in the political life of the United States, and at this unique moment in time, with the U.S. election only a few short months away, the power of our voices as heard through our vote our vote may be more important than ever. Granting women the right to vote was certainly a significant step forward on the path to women’s equality – but it’s a path we continue to tread today. 

To achieve equality, it is important for women to use our voices, especially in the workplace, where women’s voices are still too often dismissed, ignored or drowned out. Double standards stemming from a perception that women who speak up are aggressive or bossy, or that women who speak with passion are “too emotional”, persist. Significant research can be found in a multitude of studies, books and articles, detailing the biases and perceptions that silence or diminish our voices, particularly in workplace meetings. 

I’m not an expert on these subjects, but I do have my own anecdotal evidence.  I could regale you with tales of being mansplained, manterrupted and bropriated, but the truth is that I don’t think I ever needed to “find” my voice. I’ve always had it; a fact supported by every report card received, and parent teacher conference my parents ever attended - “Karen is a good student, but . . . she talks too much”. Learning to use my voice effectively, however, has been a work in progress.   

On Women’s Equality Day, I would like to share a few ideas for how to use your own voice more effectively:

Listen. This one is first because it took me to the longest to learn and was the most impactful. Listen to hear the knowledge or opinion being shared or the question being asked. Don’t listen only to wait for your chance to speak. Building on what someone else was saying, answering their question directly, or asking probing questions to better understand their point adds credibility to your own voice.

To be confident, be prepared. The best way to build confidence is to be prepared. Read the materials before a meeting, write notes and jot down questions. Think through solutions you have for problems being presented. Do the work to back up your proposals with facts and data.

Get to the point. If you’re prepared, you are also more likely to be concise when you speak up in a meeting or present. Make your point up front. If you’re providing general knowledge, share your conclusion first. If you’re making a recommendation, state the recommendation first. If you’re looking for input, let your audience know what you’re asking of them. After you’ve made your point, provide detail, then ask for questions, comments or input. 

Build relationships. Invest time in building relationships and trust with colleagues. Place value in collaboration and hearing different voices. 

The meeting before the meeting. The meeting before the meeting can be invaluable, particularly if you’ve already built strong relationships with your colleagues. Talking with another colleague prior to an important meeting to share thoughts or bounce off an idea can be validating and help you solidify your thoughts.

Ask for opportunities. If you know a topic will be discussed at an upcoming meeting and you have knowledge or an opinion that will add value to the conversation, ask your manager or another colleague involved in the agenda for the opportunity to share your knowledge or point of view. 

Don’t devalue your own statements. Avoid saying “I just . . .”, “I guess . . .”, or “if that makes sense.” Instead, say “I know . . .” or “I believe.” 

Don’t apologize. Similar to devaluing your own statements, break the habit of apologizing when you haven’t done anything warranting an apology. So, unless you hurt someone or said something inappropriate, don’t say “I’m sorry“.

Be authentic. Finally, be authentic with your voice. Carrie Chapman Catt and Alice Paul adopted two very different styles and ways of using their voices, but both contributed significantly to the suffrage movement that ultimately led to gaining the right to vote for women. They were leaders with their own unique styles. Pay attention to leaders both inside and outside your own organization who you admire AND who have an overall style similar to your own. Are you quick-witted and funny? More reserved and deliberate? Adapting the style of a leader whose style doesn’t match your own will come across as inauthentic. 

Your voice matters. You have your own experiences, knowledge and opinions, all of which will add value to your organization.