In an Ask Me Anything session on Reddit, Saturday Night Live cast member Leslie Jones was asked how she found her comedic voice. Leslie, who has been a professional comedian for almost 30 years, said,
It takes ten years to become funny, first of all. You don’t start thinking about your voice until you REALLY realize that you’re funny. I pretty much know who I am as a person, so that’s why my voice is so real. Because I’m honest. It took me a long time to accept myself, people, and once I did, it was on and crackin’.
It takes time to find your voice. We generally start our careers imitating those with whom we are exposed to and/or admire. With experience (which can only be gained with time), self-awareness, and the ability to accept one’s strengths and flaws, we are able to develop a style of leadership that is honest and authentic.
Once again, getting to this point is a long road. If it’s not coming as easy or quickly as you’d like, give yourself a break. According to Leslie, it took ten years to become funny; and, if you’ve seen her perform, it was ten years well spent. Imagine how great you’ll be in 2025?
