Finding My Voice in a World That Speaks First

Photo Credit: AI

 I find myself reflecting quite a bit about communication in today times. Voice notes that oust paragraphs, podcasts that seem like a one on one dialogue, and TikTok monologues that deliver the impact in mere 30 seconds, it becomes evident: speaking is not only back it is driving the agenda. And honestly? It is logical. Not long before we wrote in spiral-bound furious scribbling notebooks, or typed out stories, we told stories, we were taught by word of mouth, we communicated by ups and downs in our voices.

But here’s the thing, I don’t think writing is disappearing. Just look at TikTok, where passionate readers dissect novels in seconds. Instead, spoken English is carving out new space, reshaping how we learn, argue, joke, and even think. As someone who’s both a learner and a guide in this shifting landscape, I can’t help but wonder: Are we teaching language the way it’s actually being lived?

From Textbooks to TikTok: Why Voice Feels Alive Again

I scroll through TikTok, and within seconds, I’m hooked—not just by what* someone’s saying, but how they say it.The pauses, the exaggerated sighs, the sudden shifts to whisper for dramatic effect. It’s performance, sure, but it’s also language in motion.And it’s not just social media. Zoom calls, voice assistants, even heated group chats where a voice note settles an argument faster than typing ever could—spoken English is everywhere now.

And the phrases we pick up!“Glow up,” “main character energy,” “Oh no, she didn’t—” these aren’t just words; they’re cultural shorthand, delivered with a wink or a smirk. Linguists like David Crystal have always reminded us that speech is the heartbeat of language, and suddenly, that heartbeat is louder than ever.

Why Shakespeare Would’ve Nailed a TED Talk

Here’s what fascinates me: the best textbook tools for teaching spoken English aren’t new at all. Shakespeare’s plays? Meant to be heard, not just read. Churchill’s wartime speeches? Designed to rouse a nation through rhythm and repetition. MLK’s “I Have a Dream”? A masterclass in pacing and emotional crescendo.These weren’t relics. They were viral content of their time.

So when I work with students, I steal a trick from drama teachers: we perform the words. Macbeth soliloquy becomes a whispered confession. A Churchill speech turns into a rallying cry shouted over imaginary static. It’s not about perfect grammar; it’s about feeling the language. Suddenly, students who freeze at formal writing light up when they realize speaking is about presence, not perfection.

Classrooms as Stages (No Spotlight Required)

The challenge & fun is making speaking a daily habit, not just a graded event. Here’s what I’ve tried:

☝Group scenes, zero pressure: Pick a tense moment from Romeo and Juliet and let students ad-lib the subtext.(“Ugh, Mercutio, stop clowning—we’re dying here.”)
👆Compare the greats to the grid: Bring in a fiery TikTok rant or a comedian’s bit, then dissect how they use pauses and punchlines—just like MLK did.
☝Storytelling on the fly: “Tell me about the worst birthday you’ve ever had—go!” No notes, no prep, just the thrill of spinning words aloud.

The goal isn’t to replace writing, but to remind students: your voice matters.Whether you’re pitching an idea, recording a podcast, or just nailing the perfect comeback in a group chat, how you speak shapes how you’re heard.

The Bottom Line? Speech Isn’t Extra. However, It’s Essential

I used to think “oral skills” meant stiff presentations and memorized poems. Now? I see speaking as the most human thing we do. It’s messy, personal, and powerful. if we want students to own their words in meetings, on stages, or even just in their own heads—we’ve got to give them the tools to speak up, not just write down.

After all, the next Shakespeare might be scripting his soliloquy for TikTok. And I can’t wait to hear it.