Please Lose the Bambi Voice

Podcasting, video blogging... everybody's doing it and if they're not, they're thinking about it, and if they say they're not thinking about it, well, they probably will.

So audio is HUGE. It's everywhere, and how one sounds is growing more and more important nowadays (although, yes, in a competition between the two, it'll never trump how one looks).

So why is it that way too many women sound like Bambi (yeah, I know Bambi was a guy, but I'm using the term as Urban Dictionary's definition #2 does)? We're not talking about the women whose, um, particular line of work ( video or otherwise) actively encourages that. We're talking about women who, probably unintentionally and unknowingly, sound flighty, sound like they took a swig or two of helium, or sound like they're going to burst out in a fit of giggles any second.

Yeah, and unfortunately some of these girls and women are online personalities.

It's not a matter of having a high pitch (having heard my own recorded voice, its definitely higher than I'd thought). You're either born with that or you're not -- although vocal training can go a long way in helping out. No, it's a question of modulation: pitch, tone and volume.

And while it doesn't really matter what one sounds like when talking with friends or in non-networking social settings -- in which case, Bambi away, which everyone's probably done on occasion -- when speaking in a professional capacity such as on the phone with clients, in presentations, at meetings, or while pitching journalists, it definitely matters.

Want an example of someone with a pleasing and still decidedly feminine voice? Check out Donna Papacosta who hosts the Trafcom News Podcast.

(Image of Microphonie from Gudmundsson)

Comments

[Serge Cornelus]

Why do you think I don't do podcasts? :-D

[Donna Papacosta]

Thanks for the kind words, Andrea. I am fortunate that I wasn't born with a Bambi voice. However, those with high-pitched vocals CAN receive coaching that can help them sound more pleasing to the ear. Ditto for those whose speech is breathy, too fast, etc.

It's hard to convey your podcast message if your voice gets in the way, that's for sure.

[Kami Huyse]

I am liking the new template. Oh, and you definately don't sound like bambi, but I think it something we need to keep in mind since when you are nervous your voice goes up a bit, and when you aren't taking deep breaths, it is the same story. I am a vocalist (hobby), which uses some of the same techniques taught by speech coaches, and this is something that you can indeed be trained to overcome. Still, I sounded like an idiot when I phoned in a comment for the podcast, For Immediate Release.

[Allan Jenkins]

Bambi was a guy.

[Sam Smith]

I was interviewed on BBC radio last week. I'd done my media training, thought about what I was going to say, how to say it. Did the interview and thought I'd nailed it - until the journalist sent me and mp3 of the piece. It sounded awful but no one else agreed. I think it must be something about hearing your own voice 'on tape' that just sounds wrong.

Can't have been that bad, they asked me to do another piece.

Just an observation but North American women seem to have a higher pitch than the Brits or the Europeans (huge generalisation I know). Anyone else found that?

[Lee]

My own pitch is higher than a lot of women! Nice template, A, but when are we going to hear YOUR dulcet pipes in operation??? Come on, the podosphere awaits with eager longing!

[Andrea Weckerle]

Serge, if Lee can admit his vocal inclinations and still podcast, you probably have nothing to worry about.

You're welcome, Donna. And after having spoken with you on the phone, I know that's the voice you use in real life too.

LOL Kami. I heard the FIR comment you're referring to and didn't think you sounded like an idiot, although it's situations like that that make me want to "delete" and "re-record" until I get it right.

Allan, I know Bambi was a guy, and a pre-adolescent one at that. But just for you, I added an explanation to the post :-)

Sam, congrats on the BBC interview! Can you send me the MP3? So, you think American women are higher-pitched than the Europeans...is this impression based on real life conversations or the entertainment world?

Lee, only a very confident man would admit what you did! With regard to my own entry into the fray, I'm definitely thinking about it and am developing ideas, but it may not happen until later this year. And then it'd probably be vblogging. I'll let you know.

[Lee]

vblogging? Ohhhhhh... can't wait!!!

[Ann Handley]

It's definitely true that voice quality will be more of an issue as more of us turn to podcasts(or v-logs). There's a reason why Amanda Congdon's replacement is a Brit...!