This talk is about the profound impact of our voice on communication, arguing that our current voice is not our natural one, but merely a set of learned habits acquired early in life. The speaker demonstrates how different speech patterns—from a monotonic, "dead" voice to an overly soft one—fail to convey value, emphasizing that the audience reacts not to the words, but to "what they feel when we pronounce the words". Teodora Mețiu is a warm and powerful presence in the fields of alternative education, transformational coaching, and the art of communication through words, voice, and movement. She has created personal development programs for women, teenagers, educators, and emerging leaders — offering spaces where authenticity, vulnerability, and trust can truly flourish.With a strong background in television, government communication, and public speaking, Teodora guides people through journeys of inner reconnection and conscious expression. She is the founder of Romania’s first School of Oratory, where more than 5,000 people have learned to express their ideas clearly, discover their authentic voice, and build confidence in their personal presence.Working at the intersection of emotional intelligence, conscious voice, and personal leadership, she brings to each process a rare combination of gentleness, clarity, and the courage to be yourself — with both light and shadow. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx