I’d like to address the “NPR voice.” We know the stereotype! But that’s less and less how NPR sounds. Sergio Martínez-Beltrán recently delivered a story in his distinctive voice. It differs from the voice of A Martinez, which differs from that of Debbie Elliott, which differs again from Ayesha Rascoe. This involves more than just a “regional accent;” it’s a matter of attitude and word choice. It hasn't always been easy for different voices to break through. Many women, especially women of color, have received online complaints about how they sound. NPR itself once preferred a particular sound. In my early years at Morning Edition, if I did something unusual or offbeat in the show's live feed, it would routinely be cut in the replay! Some people still get grief for how they talk. But many defy it, and that’s good. Great radio, writing and storytelling are the opposite of uniformity. The original use of language or distinctive phrasing is what makes people sit up and listen. So what is an NPR voice? It’s not a particular accent or tone. It’s a passion for the story. It’s clarity of thought, generosity toward other human beings, an interest in other people and a ruthless pursuit of the truth. |
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