How to Start Liking the Sound of Your Voice
Are you a Voice Actor Who Doesn’t Like The Sound of Your Own Voice?
You might think that couldn’t be possible - it might even sound a little absurd. A voice actor who doesn’t even like the sound of their own voice?!
I mean a voice actor is somenoe who gets chosen for the way they sound right? You probably think most voice actors are walking through their homes rehearsing Shakespeare just to the the mellifluous sounds of the own voices. We get paid for talking, right? So we must love how we sound. I mean our voices are how we express ourselves, It’s the way we communicate with others, and some of us have those voices that can leave a lasting impression.
You might not think it’s a “thing” but there are a lot of people who struggle with accepting the sound of their speaking voice - and voice actors are no exception.
If being a voice actor is something you aspire to (and I have a voiceover group training program to help you) it’s imperative you actually like what you hear. If you don’t like your speaking voice it can possibly impact your confidence and hinder effective communication.
Before I even started as a voice actor, I was taking classes at a school that trained you for radio or TV careers. One of my instructors was a former radio DJ and he played a sample of his voice from his first few months on-air. Guess what? It was the puniest voice I’d heard in a long time. I couldn’t believe this was the same man that I was learning from every day who had a strong, commanding voice. His voice didn’t sound anything like it did when he was younger. he told the class he didn’t like the sound of his voice, but instead of worrying about it or complaining about it - he got to work.
Before I tell how how to “fix” how you’re feeling about your voice, let’s explore why you might not like your speaking voice and provide actionable steps to help you feel more comfortable and confident in how you sound.
Understanding Why You Dislike Your Speaking Voice
Before diving into solutions, it's essential to understand why you might dislike your speaking voice. Understanding the root cause of your dislike can help you address it more effectively. Here are some common reasons:
1. Comparison: You may compare your voice to those of others, especially those with voices you admire, such as celebrities or public speakers. Remember: comparison is the thief of joy. You have a unique voice. Celebrate that.
2. Self-criticism: Perhaps you're overly critical of yourself, noticing flaws or imperfections that others may not even perceive.
3. Past experiences: Negative feedback or teasing about your voice in the past can lead to insecurities and a dislike of your own vocal sound.
4. Lack of resonance: Your voice may lack the resonance or depth you desire, making it sound thin or weak to your ears.
5. Mismatch with internal perception: Your speaking voice may not align with the voice you hear in your head, leading to a disconnect and dissatisfaction.
How to Improve Your Voice
1. Practice Active Listening: Spend time actively listening to your own voice without judgment. Record yourself speaking and play it back, focusing on aspects you appreciate rather than criticizing flaws.
2. Adjust Your Expectations: Recognize that your voice is unique to you and doesn't have to sound like anyone else's. Embrace its individuality and understand that perfection is not the goal.
3. Seek Constructive Feedback: Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues for constructive feedback on your speaking voice. Focus on actionable suggestions for improvement rather than subjective opinions.
4. Work on Your Vocal Technique with a Coach: Consider enrolling in a voice training class or working with a vocal coach to improve your vocal technique. Techniques such as breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and articulation drills can help enhance your voice's clarity and resonance. Find a reputable coach and set up an appointment with a voice therapist/or a vocal coach this month to help you. And….if you have an accent of some kind and you’d prefer NOT to have it, or it to be less noticeable, then try working with an accent reduction coach. Now… on the flip side if you want to show off your accent, then make sure you highlight that in a demo or your work so your client can hear your range.
5. Explore Vocal Exercises: Experiment with vocal exercises designed to strengthen and develop your voice. These exercises can range from humming and vocalizing scales to practicing specific speech sounds and intonations.
6. Mindfulness and Relaxation: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce tension and anxiety associated with speaking. Deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help calm your nerves and improve vocal delivery.
7. Find Your Authentic Voice: Instead of trying to mimic others, focus on finding and embracing your authentic voice. Speak from a place of authenticity and sincerity, allowing your true self to shine through in your communication.
8. Public Speaking Practice: Engage in opportunities to speak in public or in group settings to build confidence and familiarity with your voice. The more you practice speaking, the more comfortable and confident you'll become.
9. Record, Listen and Repeat: Get used to your voice by recording it and replaying it often. Grab a magazine or watch a commercial - use the copy to have something to actually record - then record your voice and play it back. Do this a few times a week. Then at the end of the week, start to take notice of what you DO like about your voice. Start appreciating your voice and show gratitude for its uniqueness. Then, write down what you DO like about it and then what you DON”T….. and research ways to improve it, and you can even take those notes to your vocal coach and work on it together.
10. Borrow Confidence: If you’re having a hard time coming up with things you like about your voice borrow a loved one's confidence. Ask your trusted friend or family member what they like about your voice and lean into that.
Conclusion
Your speaking voice is a unique and valuable aspect of who you are. While it's natural to have preferences and insecurities about how you sound, it's essential to embrace and appreciate your voice for its individuality and authenticity. By practicing active listening, seeking constructive feedback, working on vocal technique, and cultivating confidence through practice and self-acceptance, you can learn to love the sound of your speaking voice. Remember, your voice has the power to connect, inspire, and influence others—so embrace it with confidence and pride.
Start putting more focus on how you’d like to USE your voice, not how it sounds to YOU right now. Because studies show that how you hear your voice differs from how others listen to it. Do not spend time dogging your voice out. Your voice is your voice. It’s like when you hear your voice on a recording and you think… “that doesn’t sound like me” right? Other people don’t HEAR your voice the way you do. So spend less time focused on what YOU hear - and more time thinking about HOW you can use what you already have. Your voice is UNIQUE - usually no one sounds just like you - so that’s to be celebrated because the voice you have and they way you use it could make all the difference in you getting booked.
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If you prefer video, click below for tips on overcoming voice confrontation - plus I offer 3 things you can do to help yourself stop hating your voice and start liking and appreciating it more.