Hiya Karen. That interview was very interesting. My one bit of advice to You - Don't be so Critical of Yourself. Karen, You are a Very Beautiful Lady, You are very intelligent. If anyone criticises You for how You look or anything, tell them to go and take a running jump. Karen You are Awesome; and, You are You. Good on You for taking part in that interview. You were Brilliant !  I hope the Car Meeting goes well at the Weekend. Karen, Take Care, and My Very Best Wishes, Stephanie. xoxo 

So Karen, after reading this entry and watching the video, I wonder if you have reflected upon it, and reached any conclusions?

Here's what I think;

(a) Those present didn't realise at all that you are a Transwoman until you chose to tell them, so why do you think your voice needs any work? They didn't guess your past from your voice! Yes, we are our own worst critics, no-one likes listening to a recording of their own voice, I certainly don't, even when I try to sound a little more femme. I am having voice therapy and I'm not really impressed with it, so I hope you don't waste your money. Have you listened to the voice training section on TG Guide, it might be good to use that, and then re-evaluate.

(b) I got the feeling that you just wanted to be honest with the other participants and let them know about your past, rather than any other reason. Or is that me imagining that because it's exactly what I do and what I'd have done in that situation? I was tutoring a Risk Assessment course at work on Wednesday morning teaching 4 females (two of which didn't know me before transition) and I did almost exactly the same, and yes, it was to do with previous work experience, but more than that, it was good to be honest. Perhaps it's a reaction from all the years of keeping my true identity secret?

Ok this isn't criticism at all, but to show you how critical of yourself you're being, you mention your posture, but you know, you were sat in the worst possible position really, how many times did you look at the camera? if you were sat where the other two were sat you'd have been facing the camera, and we'd all have seen your infectious smile and I bet you'd not be talking about your posture either. The woman from Texas certainly didn't seem to have a good posture, so next time swop places, yours is much better ! LoL  Well I suppose someone had to sit there, and you were completely natural, well done Miss MVPayne  

Oh I did notice that the MS Employee was using a decent bit of IT, rather than a Windows phone !!! LoL

Cheers,

Eve