The Woman’s Voice

by Patsy Rodenburg

Why are so many women still not properly listened to?
Why do they sometimes feel that they're less interesting than they are?
Why do they often rush when they speak?
Why do some women feel the pressure to sound like little girls?

From one of the world's leading experts on the voice comes this call to arms for women to reclaim their voices.

Using elements of experience and practice from her prolific career, Patsy Rodenburg examines these questions, and many more, to decipher what lies at the heart of female empowerment.

From the age of four, Rodenburg knew that she found communication difficult. Her struggle with her own voice set her on the journey that led her to discover her vocation. She has spent her life re-finding and re-empowering voices, particularly the lost voices of women. Watching her highly intelligent working-class mother and grandmother ignored and often silenced gave her the insight to investigate why that was and how to help women overcome this centuries-old issue.

With warmth and humour, Rodenburg interrogates Shakespeare's texts and his presentation of female characters; develops the notion of rhetoric in relation to the female voice; and applies concepts explored in her previous books, including The Three Circles of Energy.

And, perhaps most crucially, through arguing that power and voice are directly linked to breath, Rodenburg makes the case that Western society's oppression of women has diminished their natural ability to breathe.

Exploring the female voice through practical exercises and stories from the front line, as well as profoundly personal and formative experiences from her own life, Rodenburg defines the art of accessing the voice within and reclaiming the woman's right to speak.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

Published February 9, 2023

Reviews

[Susan Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent book: part autobiography and part a textbook in why women use their voices differently to men. Spoiler alert: cultural and society demands. Rosenberg gives many examples, personal and with women she as worked with. An outstanding book.

[Madeline Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Probably one of the greatest books I’ve ever read. Cried at pretty much every chapter. Filled me with rage but in a good way and helped me release so much.

[kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

necessary reading for performers and women (especially both)

[Philip Francis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought The Woman’s Voice after hearing Patsy Rodenberg deliver a powerful keynote for International Women’s Day and she even signed it, which made the experience feel extra special.

The book itself is fantastic. Some sections are difficult because Rodenberg tackles tough but important history and context around how women’s voices have been limited. But that depth makes the practical guidance that follows even more impactful. Her exercises and insights on finding and using our true voices are clear, compassionate and genuinely empowering.

A concise, powerful read that stays with you, highly recommend!

[Shane LaLonde · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for the help of finding my authentic voice. The book includes voice warm ups and exercises to strengthen and develop your own vocal power. It also gives an education on why women have lost their power of voice in the first place. I come away from this book a smarter, stronger woman with more knowledge of our history and I am sure my voice will now follow. Thank you Patsy Rodenburg for this book of truth and guide for those of us who have been searching for our authentic voice. I love this book.

[Phia Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. Its not what I would usually pick up to read but I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a bit hard to get through at times but it was wasn't too hard to pick it back up and keep going. As an actor there were a lot of moments where certain concepts clicked in my head. Ive already learned about the three circles of energy in school so it was a nice refresher and reading this really deepened my understanding of them. I think all female AND male actors should pick up this book.

[Liz M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful and important book