I hear it in your Voice: Using Voice in my e-Portfolio

Have you ever found yourself in a moment where the music surrounds you, yet you notice the distinct voice of the narrator weaving through the melodies? Or perhaps you’ve engaged with a book, feeling the character’s voice resonate off the pages and into your heart? If so, you have tapped into the profound concept of voice, a subtle yet powerful element that enriches our experiences with art and literature. Take, for instance, one of my all-time favorite artists, Taylor Swift. While her singing voice is undeniably captivating, I want to draw attention to a different aspect—her lyrical voice. The depth and emotional authenticity embedded in her lyrics are what truly set her apart. When I read her words in isolation, apart from the music, I find a vibrant voice that pours out her thoughts and feelings, creating an intimate connection with her audience. This connection transforms the act of reading into a cathartic experience, where fans can find solace in her reflections on love, loss, and personal growth.

In my experience as a former coach for UIL Oral Reading, I have had the privilege of guiding many students as they delve into the world of the spoken word. I’ve watched as they fully immerse themselves in the roles they portray, embodying the unique voice required to bring each character to life. Through the exploration of mood within both the poem and the character, students unlock the voice they aim to present during practice and competition. The journey varies for each student; some connect effortlessly with the material, while others grapple with the nuances of expression. It may take time, but by the time competition day arrives, most students manage to encapsulate the essence of their chosen pieces, delivering performances that resonate with a spectrum of emotions—be it joy, sorrow, or even a hint of rebelliousness.

Reflecting on my years of teaching writing to fourth graders, I can attest that it is a rare occurrence to encounter a student who possesses a remarkable voice in their writing. While many students shine brightly in their own right, there is one particular student whose talent stands out like a beacon. I hold hope that they will continue to nurture this gift as they move forward in their educational journey, for I can distinctly hear their unique voice echoing through the pages of their work. When I think of both my current and past students, I often find myself drawing comparisons to this exceptional individual, measuring their progress against the standard set by that vibrant voice. As I’ve reflected on my students and their voices in writing very recently, I’ve also had the opportunity to reflect on my voice and writing. Now, I’m here doing just that with my reflection and voice. 

As I navigate my journey of expressing my voice, I have made it a point to share my thoughts and creativity through my ePortfolio. As the author and creator of my e-Portoflio, I’ve had to take into consideration the purpose, the audience, and the word choices into account for how I should use my voice. Since I’m the author and creator, I know I want my audience to hear me and not someone else; I know I want potential employers to hear my voice, not someone else's; I also want my personality to shine through. Edutopia (2017) said a writer needs to have an authentic audience in mind when someone is writing–it allows the writer to consider who the specific person, group, or organization. This allows the writer to choose the details that resonate with them. Like I said earlier, I had to consider who my audience is for my authentic, true self to shine through in my e-Portofolio. I know I’ve opened up my e-Portofolio to my peers for feedback, and their responses have been overwhelmingly positive. They appreciate how my personality shines through in my work, including the distinct voice I bring to my writing. In many ways, I think my true voice emerges more clearly in my blogs, where I can be unapologetically myself. Moreover, I can sense the individuality of my classmates as they express their thoughts in their blogs. This is the beauty of blogging—it is a medium driven by voice and personality, allowing each of us to carve out our unique space in the e-Portfolio landscape.

References

McCarthy, J. (2017, August 21). The mechanics of developing a writer’s voice. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/article/mechanics-developing-writers-voice/

The Ohio State University Teaching and Learning Resource Center. Eportfolios in the curriculum: Incorporating reflection into your course. (n.d.). https://teaching.resources.osu.edu/teaching-topics/eportfolios-curriculum