Ariel sat quietly through most meetings. She was already skilled in several areas including martial arts with a deep understanding of Eastern practices including meditation and zen.
Martine starts the meeting but is distracted by Ariel moving in her chair.
“Ariel why are you fidgeting? I’ve always known you to be quiet and attentive?”
Ariel rose to her feet leaving her cane folded by her chair. A beauty with flowing white hair and chiseled features. Her blindness only noticeable since she wore dark glasses and moved about with a cane.
“Martine I have waited for a moment to bring this up. I think the weakest part of our abilities will not be the physical demands but rather our voices.”
“Say more Ariel.”
“The reason women have been pushed back and overlooked has been partly due to our not speaking up for ourselves. We have not learned to use the power of our voices.. We’ve been conditioned to be “ladylike” and speak with soft gentle voices.
When I lost my sight I had to learn a bunch of new skills. Before my accident, I was studying with an amazing teacher who was helping me to find and use my true voice. She didn’t give up on me after the accident. Her very special work has helped many people around the world to find and use their voice.”
“Our voices have power and depth beyond the words we choose. Kristen Linklater worked with some of the most successful actors in the world like Sir Patrick Stewart, Alfre Woodard and Donald Sutherland.”
It was true. When Ariel entered a conversation or stood up to speak, she immediately grabbed attention.
“Especially when dealing with men. I needed to be firm and clear. Acting like a little girl will only get you treated like a little girl. It just galls me to hear an older woman talking like a little girl. Listen to this precious interview with Kristen Linklater. She was my teacher. She taught me to listen from my gut and speak from heart.”
“You are right Ariel.” Cheers went throughout the room and applause.
“Okay, thanks guys, that’s enough.”
Ariel continues. “We are learning so much about using our invisibility (the stealth work), persuasion, and yes Maxine, seduction! Now it’s time to use our voice powers. "
Justine who had won the affections of the widowed episcopal priest interrupts.
”But isn’t it a turnoff for most men to hear women speak in a forceful manner? When I do it, I hear them whispering ‘bitch’ when I walk away.”
Ariel laughs. That may be true for a few, but some like a bit of domination. Of course, the use of the voice is situational.
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