Voice lessons #1

Written By: Hans Appel

A month ago, we dove into the deep end of the technology world with the launch of our #AwardWinningCulture Podcast.  Over the next year, I’ll be detailing specific ups and downs of this journey; while peppering key takeaways along the way.  Our plan is to release 1 or 2 new episodes each month. 

After extensive practice and conducting several student-led interviews so far, here’s some big picture early thoughts on fostering Student Voice through Podcasts:

**Students are capable of WAY MORE than we give them credit for.  WAY MORE! I’ve been completely blown away by how much better they are at picking up podcasting techniques compaired to the adult educators involved.  In fact, several of my student leaders had never even listened to a podcast and were making incredible suggestions and mind blowing ideas DAY ONE. This generation has grown up with social media and technology in such a way that their skills are malleable beyond belief.  I look forward to highlighting our kids brilliant thoughts and insights this year.
**We’re not there YET.  But, we’re improving EVERYDAY.  By keeping centered on a growth mindset, we're all able to focus on incremental improvements with continuous and obsessive passion for getting better.  I’m so excited to see where we are in a year from now but would NEVER want to skip over the JOY that we’re all having on the daily grind towards success.  We’re coming for IT!
**There’s a learning curve to students getting accustomed to their voice: both literally and figuratively.  Allowing practice time for students to listen, evaluate, and alter voice recording is critical.  Tone, pitch, rate, etc. all play a role in how they sound. This can only be realized through personal observation of one’s own voice.  Additionally, finding their own style and comfort level takes time. If your a regular subscriber to our show, you’ll see an incredible evolution of sense of self for these 12-13 year olds over the next 6-9 months.  What a fun way to help foster self discovery!

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