Revising Authenticity: Case Studies of Media Actors in Voice Therapy

Abstract

ABSTRACT The field of speech pathology (SLP) has long recognized that a person’s voice is closely related to their sense of self, so that if voice therapy recommendations include a change in vocal sound, the therapist must address the client’s experience of adjusting their vocal identity. For clients who use their voices professionally, SLP practice also routinely distinguishes between the voice (and vocal identity) of private life versus how the artist sounds in public performance. These traditional therapy principles are illustrated, and in some cases challenged, by case studies of six media actors in voice therapy. Although these clients were referred for therapy with somewhat similar vocal complaints, their openness to new vocal identities varied widely, and their degrees of differentiation between their private and public voices ranged from strict bifurcation to complete fusion. Outcomes also ranged from total rejections of therapy to successful resolutions of complaints that included creative adjustments at work. Represented professions include voice acting, dramatic television, comedy, and social influencing. Discussion references the concept of personal authenticity, suggests further research involving personality theory, and reinforces the importance of individualized, client-centered care for professional voice users.