Power Of Voice

POWER OF VOICE

2008 – THE YEAR OF AUTHENTICITY
NORMA T. HOLLIS

In my past two articles I have introduced the importance of authenticity and explained that it is becoming the buzzword for the 21st century. Companies and individuals who understand the value of authenticity and then incorporate it into their personal and professional lives will be positioned for great success and growth in the coming years. Yet the focus on authenticity is not limited to companies and individuals. Now we see a focus on authenticity in this year’s presidential election.

As we move through the primary elections, the news reporters and pundits are openly discussing the authenticity, or lack of authenticity, of the candidates. No matter what television channel or radio station you tune in to, the word authenticity comes up as a significant factor in describing the candidates. The question that is debated is how authentic the candidates are.

Authenticity is about feeling, allowing others to feel your passion and sincerity. Historically this has not been an easy task for politicians. Their usual style is to read speeches that have been written by speechwriters. Those who were better able to read with feeling have been the ones who have found it easier to sway their audiences. But watch the politicians of this 2008 race. Most do not use scripts to read but instead speak extemporaneously. They speak from a more authentic place when they do not use speeches written by others. Authenticity is the ability to speak as much from the heart as from the head. And those who use this skill well are those who seem to be leading the current political race.

How do you spot an authentic politician? They speak as much from the heart as from the head. They share their words with passion and touch the hearts of Americans of all races, ages and genders. Authentic politicians come across as real people – people who have shared the same struggles as most of us. Their words flow in such a way that they are believable, trustworthy and credible. They offer fresh perspectives to problems that have grown old and weary for most of us. They exude integrity and passion and they inspire us.

Society is making a major shift to authenticity. Mark my words: the 21st century is going to see an authenticity revolution. In past years, we haven’t been as adamant about being authentic. We have put up with fakes and phonies in many arenas. We have been confused about the validity of advertisements and commercials; we get unwanted phone calls from robotic voices; food is processed into unnatural states; fake artwork, purses and jewelry abound; people surgically alter their looks and body shape; and we don’t know which political candidates to believe. Phony, fictional and inauthentic products, services and people seem to have become the status quo.

I’ve always believed that if the people lead the leaders will follow. It’s time for each of us to get real. If we do, we force the politicians to do the same. They are already on the path of authenticity. We must continue to demand it from them and call them on it when they become inauthentic.

Aren’t you tired of the inauthentic? It’s time to get real.

Norma T. Hollis is a professional public speaker, author and leading authenticity expert. She is the creator of the Authenticity Assessment which rates personal authenticity in nine dimensions. Ms. Hollis is the CEO of the Norma Hollis Companies – a family of communication companies that includes Speakers Etcetera, Black Speakers Online, Diversity Speakers Online and Cash in on Voice. She oversees a speakers bureau and full service training and consulting firm that delivers high quality programs, learning tools and performance improvement interventions that enable clients to discover authentic communication and effectively lead a 21st century workplace. Ms. Hollis helps audiences find, live and express their authentic voice and turn it into outer success. You can take her authenticity test at www.CashInOnVoice.com. Her book "Ten Steps to Authenticity" can be purchased by visiting www.NormaHollisSpeaks.com