Weekly Voice Insights #1

Discovering Your Unique Voice: Hearing Yourself as Others Do

Have you ever listened to a recording of your own voice and thought, "Do I really sound like that?" You're not alone—most people find it strange, if not uncomfortable, to hear their voice played back to them. But this discomfort can actually be a valuable tool for self-discovery, helping you connect with your voice in a new way.

Why Your Voice Sounds Different to You

When you speak (or sing), the sound of your voice reaches your ears through two pathways: air conduction and bone conduction. Air conduction is how others hear you—sound waves travel through the air and into your ears. Bone conduction, on the other hand, transmits sound vibrations through your skull, giving you a fuller, deeper perception of your voice. This is why your recorded voice often sounds higher or thinner than what you expect—it’s what everyone else hears.

Listening Without Judgment

It’s easy to be critical when we first hear our recorded voice, but instead of judging, try to listen with an unbiased ear. What are the characteristics of your voice? Is there a pleasant rise and fall? Do you notice natural pauses? Does your voice have a certain warmth or clarity that stands out? These qualities are part of your unique vocal identity, and recognizing them is the first step toward embracing your voice.

A Simple Exercise to Get Started

If you’re curious to explore your vocal identity further, try this simple exercise: send yourself a voice text message. Speak naturally, as if you were talking to a friend—no scripts, no rehearsals. Later, play it back and listen closely. Notice the pitch, the tone, the rhythm. Ask yourself, “Did I convey my message clearly? What aspects of my voice do I find pleasing?”

The goal isn’t to critique but to become familiar with how you sound to others and to start appreciating the unique qualities of your voice. It might feel uncomfortable at first—after all, many of us are used to looking in a mirror and adjusting our appearance, but rarely do we “listen in the mirror” to adjust our voice.

Voice Messages Over Texts

Another way to deepen this practice is by sending voice messages instead of texts. Over time, this can help you become more aware of how your voice conveys emotion, intention, and clarity. It’s an opportunity to experiment with different tones, pitches, and speeds, and to notice what feels natural and effective.

A Personal Story

I remember the days of answering machines (yes, I’m dating myself here). I can’t tell you how many times I would record and re-record my outgoing message, never quite satisfied with how it sounded. It took me a long time to connect my vocal training with the everyday act of speaking on the phone, but once I did, it opened up a whole new level of self-awareness.

Your Turn

I’m curious—how do you feel about listening to your own voice? What insights have you gained? If you haven’t tried it yet, consider sending yourself a voice message today. Listen to it later with an open mind, and see what you discover about your vocal identity. Let me know your thoughts—I’d love to hear about your experiences!

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Clubhouse event based on today's insight!

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