Supa Story #1: Finding Your Voice.

Your Voice Is Your Superpower

Every storyteller has their own voice — it's the flavour that makes your stories unmistakably you. But finding this voice? That’s the tricky bit. It’s about digging deep, shedding what you think you should sound like, and discovering what makes your words, your rhythm, and your perspectives truly yours.

Why It Matters
Your voice is what makes a story real. It’s the difference between a tale that sounds generic and one that speaks to the soul. It’s how our fave (mine at least) Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie paints vivid worlds in a way only she can – you can’t mistake her for someone else. Your voice connects your stories to your identity and your audience to the truth behind the tale.

Start Here: Find Your Truth

To find your voice, start by asking yourself:

• What topics do I care about deeply? (Is it identity, faith, community, or maybe jollof wars? Lol)

• What emotions do I naturally gravitate towards in stories? (Do you love a good belly laugh, or are you drawn to the bittersweet?)

• What’s my background and how does it shape my worldview? (Your roots are a goldmine of inspiration.)

Write Like You Speak
An easy way to tap into your authentic voice is to write as you speak. No, really! Imagine how you talk to your friend or sibling, ‘gisting’ them about something that happened. Get rid of the fancy and let your natural flow take over. When you find that relaxed, conversational tone, you’re much closer to your true voice.

Exercise: Speak Your Story

1. Pick a scene or story idea you’ve been playing around with.

2. Record yourself speaking it out loud, as if you’re telling it to a friend.

3. Transcribe what you’ve recorded, word for word.

4. Notice the rhythm, the word choices, the quirks—that’s your voice! Now, start writing in that style.

What to Avoid: The ‘Mimic Trap’
We all have writers we admire, but trying too hard to sound like them is a no-no. It’s like copying your friend’s homework — what works for them might not fit you. Be inspired, but don’t lose you in the process.

Pro Tip: Embrace Your Roots
What makes African storytelling so rich? It’s the way we weave our culture, our sayings, and our gist into our stories. Let your roots show. Use your language, your proverbs, your metaphors. That’s what will make your voice unique — and memorable.

Next Week: The Big Idea

Next Monday, we’ll go deeper into finding and expanding the big idea that drives your story. Get ready to unearth those wild concepts and turn them into something truly special. 💡

Got any questions, or just want to share your thoughts on today’s edition? Hit reply — we’re always eager to hear from you!

Till Monday, keep finding your truth and letting it shine through your words.

Yours-in-Storytelling,
Ayobola Eniola,
For Emerge Story Company.

P.S. If this helped you, you can also share with your writing friends and encourage them to subscribe to get more of this goodness — don’t enjoy this alone 😉