How Does Your Voice Sound to Others When Heard in Recordings?
Have you ever listened to a recording of your voice and felt like it sounded different than when you speak naturally? This is a common experience, and it can be quite surprising to hear your voice as others do. Playing back a recording of your voice, whether it is speech or singing, can seem strange almost to the point where you don’t recognize it as your own. This sensation is due to the way we perceive and hear our voices.
The Difference in Hearing Your Voice
When you speak, you hear your voice through two distinct channels: internally and externally. Internally, you perceive your voice through the vibrations of your vocal cords, while externally, you hear it through your ears. In a recording, only the externally perceived sound is captured, which can make your voice sound different.
To illustrate this, try speaking with one ear covered. This will emphasize the effect, as one ear won't receive the external sound, only the internal, which can make your voice sound significantly different.
Comparing Live Voices and Recorded Voices
Comparing the voices of your friends and relatives to their recorded versions can help put this perception into context. Generally, people can easily recognize their friends or relatives through live conversations despite some differences. However, the recorded voice may sound strange due to various factors.
To gain a clearer understanding, shoot some video or audio recordings of your friends from about three feet away in a quiet outdoor setting. Use high-quality recordings to better assess the differences. Then, have your friends record you for a couple of minutes under the same conditions, so you have a reference for comparison.
Real-World Listening Conditions
It's important to test your voice in different settings to understand how others perceive it. Cover your ear with your Bluetooth earbuds or listen to your voice through your phone's tiny speaker, car stereo, or small speakers like the Bose, to perceive how your voice sounds to the outside world.
Professional Experience and Perception
As someone who has been broadcasting and recording my voice professionally for over 53 years, I have a substantial understanding of how my voice sounds to others. Reflecting on my first experience hearing my recorded voice, which probably occurred around age 15, I was struck by how different it sounded from how I heard my voice internally.
Such recordings can be a stark reminder of our voices’ true qualities and may reveal aspects we hadn't noticed before. Hearing the playback can be an eye-opening experience, often revealing that the voice you thought sounded perfect might have some imperfections that others can pick up on.
Understanding how your voice sounds to others is crucial for confidence in communication and personal growth. Whether you’re an actor, a public speaker, or just someone who wants to understand their voice better, taking the time to record and listen to yourself can provide valuable insights into how you are perceived by others.
Remember, the goal is not to bring your recorded voice to perfection but to gain awareness and foster self-improvement based on what you learn. Embrace the changes and use this knowledge to enhance your interactions and presentations.