Having to learn to speak with a different vocal pitch in order to be taken seriously.
(Although I think this is a problem for women in any position, really.)
Female voices are naturally higher pitched. Higher pitches are perceived to speak faster (whether or not it is true.)
The higher and faster the pitch, the less seriously people take the content that is being said. Think of it like the Chipmunk Effect – play an Alvin and the Chipmunks record at 78 and it sounds “cute”. Play it at 33 1/3 and it sounds “Deep.”
To be taken seriously in business, especially tech, women need to speak slower, and drop the pitch of their voice.
It’s rarely talked about, but every woman I know that is successful has had someone pull them aside at one point in heir career and give them “the talk” about how to speak properly at work to get people to hear you.
Does that count as “underrated”?
Originally Posted: https://www.quora.com/Women-in-Technology-What-is-the-most-underrated-problem-in-the-life-of-a-women-in-the-high-tech-industry
Originally Posted On: 2016-01-13