In this episode of Remaking Normal, Alexander Freeman explores how the way we speak — our voices, accents, and tone — shapes how the world perceives us, and how deeply speech connects to identity and belonging.

Alexander sits down with Ariela Quetant, a Boston-based speech and voice coach and founder of Sound Your Best, a private coaching practice that helps clients refine communication, confidence, and authenticity. Through her work, Ariela provides private instruction in accent modification, gender-affirming voice, and professional speaking skills, blending science and empathy to help individuals align the way they sound with who they truly are.

With a background in Communication Sciences and Disorders and ongoing Vocology studies, Ariela brings both technical expertise and human understanding to the art of communication. Together, she and Alexander dive into how speech influences perception — how a voice can shape someone’s sense of credibility, gender, or even “normalcy” — and how embracing vocal diversity challenges cultural biases about what a “normal” voice should sound like.

https://www.tosoundyourbest.com

Find out about my documentary "My Own Normal" at https://myownnormalmovie.com and consider working with me on a feature film by visiting my production company Outcast Productions LLC at https://www.outcast-productions.com. Subscribe to the Outcast Productions LLC YouTube Channel @OUTCASTPRODUCTIONSCo and follow @realalexanderfreeman on Instagram.

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