It has been great to have guest speakers like Amanda and Adam come to class to not only provide words of wisdom for the students, but it also resonated for me as well. One major theme that came across for me was the fact both said that it was key to find your voice.

I have heard about this so many times when it comes to social media, but it got me thinking in relations to not only for practice, but in research as well. Do we have voices when it comes to sharing our insights on research? Do we have a distinctive voice for teaching? What about consulting? How do we balance all of these voices to become one?

Here are some tips I have related to this area in determining your voice, and some people to look at for inspiration:

  • Determine your tone and point of view: This comes down to how you want to be presented online. Do you want to be funny? Do you want to be entertaining or even colorful? What comes to mind? I immediately think of Jason Falls with this because his voice online is filled with insightful comments and points yet with a distinctive point of view. When he shares content online, you not only write it down, you remember it as being unique.
  • Voices, like reputation, takes time and investment: Having a a voice doesn’t happen over night. It takes time and careful thought – you have to be comfortable with yourself and how you present yourself – both online and offline. The goal is to make sure these are aligned to be the same. Voices evolve as well on social media – when I look at where I started in 1995 with my personal website and how it evolved to where it is now, it has changed significantly over the years. From sports and track and field to PR to becoming a professor – there are many things that have changed, but many things that have stayed consistent over time as well. Another person to look at for inspiration on this is my wonderful sister Kristin. She’s a combat engineer, researcher, analyst, blogger, foodie, and world traveler – she has done it all in a very professional manner! Super proud of my sis! 🙂
  • Uncover your purpose: Is your purpose going to be to be someone that is passionate about theory of PR, or are you going to be someone that shares ideas for PR campaigns? Determining what your overall mission is going to be online and what platform you are going to take as a person/professional is key. Dr. Tim Coombs (leading crisis communication researcher) and Jane Jordan Meier (leading crisis professional and consultant) are two examples of how to determine your overall purpose in the field. They are both in crisis communications, both passionate about the subject, and are willing to share their perspectives, experiences, and insights with others.
  • Consume and curate content, but make sure to create relevant and insightful content: It is not only key to make sure to share relevant content related to your subject, but create and share your own expertise with others. Melissa Agnes has done this exceptionally well for social media and crisis communications. Her posts are insightful, upbeat, and well written. However, she engages with her readers with her voice on social media across platforms and in person –  a true inspiration!
  • Be willing to share some personal stories and experiences: Michael Brito has done this very well – along with his book “Your Brand” (another must have for your bookshelf), he shares stories about his family and what he has experienced when it comes to social media. This personal aspect is key – if you are willing to share this with others, that creates memories and separates yourself from others because you are willing to do this.

Overall, finding your voice and sharing your point of view is not only a strategy for students, but can also be applied to professionals and professors as well. We do have a distinct voice whenever we present at conferences, share stories in class, and network with others outside of the university. We are a personal brand, so we have to determine how to communicate this with others as well as determine our own distinct niche in the field of your choice.

Thanks again to Amanda Hortbert and Adam Lefkoe for coming to my class not only to share their insights on social media with my students, but to provide inspiration for this blog post. Finding your own voice is such an important point that needs to be shared and addressed for everyone right now in the workplace and in society – and it’s something everyone (students, professionals, professors, etc) need to take into consideration and find for themselves.

Hope you all are having a great day!

Best Wishes,

Karen