Public speaking should be possible for everyone without harassment, name-calling or “friendly instructions” to change something in themselves, writes Särmä.
In recent years, talking to acquaintances, I have noticed a surprisingly common phenomenon where Eeva, Johanna, Taru, Liisa, Essi, Lotta or Seija (names may have been changed) have appeared in an expert role on television or radio. After the appearance, feedback has been received by email from Marku, Timo, Sepo, Petri and Juuso (names may have been changed).
The wording and tone of the feedback varies, but the content is actually always the same: the expert has made the mistake of using the phrase “so-and-so” more than once in her speech. It happened once that a woman received a compliment in an email when she did not use the term.
According to Koivisto, the use of the word “such-and-such” also indicates that the expression sought is not necessarily exact or precise. On the other hand, so-and-so can also emphasise the next word and its meaning.
The automatic reply said that the message had been received and that the person giving the feedback is not alone in his disgust with women’s voices, and that men’s voices will never receive similar feedback.
An endless number of critical things have been written about the creaky voice of women speaking in public, but it is the case that men’s voices also creaky, but it is not perceived as disturbing.
In terms of democracy, it is essential that all kinds of people have a voice in public and are heard. Public speaking should be possible for everyone without harassment, barking or \”friendly instructions\” to change something, which is usually quite difficult.
Of course, sometimes someone’s speaking style or voice annoys me, but I usually get over it by consciously focusing on the content of the speech.
If the situation becomes overwhelming, I’ve noticed that the remote control and receivers have really handy buttons that you can press to change the channel or turn the whole thing off.
*Saara Särmä*
*The author is a feminist who has appeared in public a lot and a research doctor who strives to give constructive and encouraging feedback to others.*
*The column can be discussed on 15.4. until 23:00.*