Speaking up electronically

I have an electronic amplifier. I choose to use my “auxilliary voice” infrequently, just when I really need it. I usually have it with me at work and when I travel, just in case.

Part of my job involves leading meetings where the director, producers, my staff, and I discuss the concept for whatever episode we’re preparing to shoot. I need to talk throughout; the responsibility of presenting ideas and suggesting ways to handle budgetary and technical challenges relating to my department is mine. If other people can’t hear what I’m saying, there’s not much point in having the meeting.

I used the amplifier for the first time when my voice simply gave out in the middle of a sentence. I slipped on the headset, turned on the unit, and announced perkily, “Hi! I’m Tiffany! I’ll be your tourguide today!”. Everybody laughed. It was important to put the group at ease; to let my bosses and coworkers know that it was OK to accept the situation comfortably; it was fine to laugh, and no one needed to pretend that I wasn’t talking to them through a loudspeaker. It simply was what it was.

Later, one of my coworkers passed me in the hall. “Hiya, Squeaky!” he said cheerfully. I could have hugged him. It felt good to be accepted as I was, with no pity or “special handling”. True, the amplifier draws attention to my lack of voice, but so does struggling to speak... and it allows me to communicate in situations where I would otherwise be inaudible.

I use a JustAmp™. There are lots of machines available, though. You can Google “voice amplifiers”, or visit some of the other retail sites listed on my Links page to find a unit that fits your budget and needs.

Return to top of page.