- That's why we do not like the tone of our own voice
- We have an "inner" and an "outer" voice.
- The power of the voice
- This is how you train your voice
That's why we do not like the tone of our own voice
"What, how am I sounding?!?" Anyone who hears his voice on a tape is usually appalled: "My voice sounds quite different ... right?" Why we find it so terrible to hear your own voice ...
The answer is actually quite simple: Because we are not used to hearing our voice like this. All others already. Because if we play the sound of our voice to others and ask them "Do I always sound like that?", The answer is usually "Yes."
We have an "inner" and an "outer" voice.
When people speak, the sound produced by the vocal cords is transmitted from the bone directly to the inner ear via the zygomatic bone, lower jaw and temple. Muscles and tissues dampen the vibrations and change the timbre. That's why we hear our own voice deeper.
This effect does not apply to recorded speech, because of course a tape records only the "outer" voice: Without the own vibrations in the body the voice suddenly sounds quite strange.
And we often do not like this "outer" voice, which is mainly because we are not used to this vocal sound and are therefore surprised. The phenomenon that we do not like (or rather like) the less familiar is called "Mere Exposure Effect" and is also the reason why we do not like ourselves in photos. But there is more to it than that:
The power of the voice
If you sound pleasant, you will get along well with other people: Studies show that the overall impression of a person depends heavily on the voice. The Forsa Institute interviewed 1, 000 men and women: what do you look for at a first meeting? After all, around forty percent said they paid attention. Even more important to respondents in a new acquaintance is only face and clothing.
"Whether we like it or not, we unconsciously connect certain personality traits with different types of voice, " confirms spokesperson Renate Schiffers from Hamburg.
People with a thin voice are thought to be insecure. Speakers who nase, on the other hand, are considered arrogant or whiny. And people with deep, warm voices are particularly pleasant and believable.
If we hear our voice on a tape recorder, we suddenly get the "external effect" of our voice. Do I really talk so indistinctly? Do I have such a shaky voice? Am I always so fast / loud / quiet / shrill ...?
Just as we discover every little "flaw" in our appearance in the mirror (and much more blemish, which we also perceive as far worse than any other person sees it on us), so we hear on a tape every supposed "weakness "in our voice.
But the way we look after our appearance, we can also maintain our voice:
Renate Schiffers explains: "Everyone can learn a clear pronunciation with a little technique and practice, each voice is an individual instrument."
This is how you train your voice
"There are no good and bad voices, but only untrained and trained, " explains spokesperson Renate Schiffers from Hamburg, where she reveals tricks for the right training:
- The voice reflects well-being or fear. Self-assurance is audible. Put yourself in a good mood before speaking (in a speech, for example).
- Preserve posture: A straight posture helps to more voice volume. Take a deep breath before speaking and then focus on your own body center.
- The art of good pronunciation can be practiced daily. Just read loud and clear for five minutes. Pay attention to emphasis and word endings.
- You can train a fuller sound with the siren exercise. It works like this: sit down straight and relax and breathe slowly into the abdomen, so that the diaphragm can support the voice. With the fingertips lightly drumming on the chest: When exhaling ooo-ööö-ooo tones eject. Practice for about three minutes.
- You speak too fast? If you are not sure, take a book and count down 120 words. Read this and stop the time. You speak a normal pace when you need about a minute.
- Get used to warming up your voice before any important conversations, so that your vocal muscles swing well. Singing or talking relaxes.
- You get more vocal power through "courtesy of yawns" - that is, yawning with closed lips to widen the throat and pharynx, which works against a cramped larynx.
- Adult education centers often offer special courses. Learning together in a group is fun and not as expensive as a one-to-one lesson.
