What does it mean to be human?

What does it mean to be human? Have you thought about that question more in the past year than you ever thought you would!? I have.

There have been multiple interactions in voice over sessions this year where I have been told my voice is “refreshingly human” and that I am “the anti-AI voice” they were looking for. Hmm…Why, I wonder?

It’s clearly not just about my actual voice print. I’ve created multiple AI voices that sound identical to mine – a fairly generic white woman voice. So what’s different? I believe it’s the heart behind the voice. The authentic connection. The web of truth that we bring to our work. I know I lost you there, but bear with me.

There was a season in my career when I was struggling with it all feeling trite and unimportant. I mean, I’m a voice actor – I carry the message, peddle the goods. I’m not changing the world. It felt critical to dig deeper and find meaning in what I do. I didn’t have to dig far – which is good because digging (in the dirt or the inner self) is not really my jam. Here’s what my shallow hole uncovered.

Every script has a message – buy these Tide pods, don’t vote for this bozo, our company cares about DEI. But beyond that, every narration has a connection, a place where it touches someone – not in the words but underneath them. The script might be selling cabinet organization or food delivery, but there is a connection underneath the words that says, “I see you. Life is a lot. It’s hard to hold all the things.” And maybe the person who flips on the TV or the radio doesn’t recognize it in a conscious way, but they feel it. There is an underneath message every time.

Or maybe that’s just what I tell myself so that I can feel good recording scripts about insurance and dog food. Either way – I’m good with the outcome.

Why are you sharing this? What’s your point?! Well I guess I don’t know exactly. We just seem to be more and more steeped in a world full of AI everything and I’m feeling the deep importance of authenticity. How our human touch makes us stand out. It’s what resonates with people. Right?

You are a creative – how do you find meaning in your work?

Grateful to be journeying with you.

To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Authenticity is the daily practice of letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are. – Brené Brown