How to Develop A Manly Voice | Art of Manliness

Art of Manliness

17 May 201405:26

Summary

TLDRThe video script humorously addresses Bill's desire for a deeper voice, explaining that voice depth is largely determined by genetics and puberty. It discourages forcing a lower pitch, which can strain the vocal cords and hinder clarity. Instead, the script suggests finding one's natural pitch by projecting from the 'mask' area of the face and emphasizes the importance of proper diaphragm breathing for a powerful voice. It concludes by encouraging acceptance and confidence in one's unique voice, citing examples of notable figures with non-traditionally 'manly' voices who were successful orators.

Takeaways

🎤 The deepness of a voice is primarily determined by the length and thickness of the vocal cords, influenced by testosterone levels during puberty.
🚫 Speaking in a lower pitch can cause strain on the throat and make speech difficult to understand.
🔍 To find your natural pitch and optimal tone, project your voice from the 'mask' area of your face, which includes the lips and the bridge and sides of the nose.
🌟 A good voice is one that is warm, expressive, resonant, clear, and has a flexible range of natural pitches.
🎭 To improve your voice, practice speaking with your natural pitch and optimal tone by focusing on the vibration in your mask area.
💪 Adding bravado and power to your voice comes from proper diaphragmatic breathing, which provides more voice resonance and can slightly deepen the tone.
🙅‍♂️ Avoid shallow chest breathing as it leads to a weak voice and can cause strain on the throat.
🌱 Improving your natural voice is achievable and can boost your confidence and the enjoyment of your listeners.
🔊 Owning and making the best of your voice, regardless of its pitch, is the manly thing to do, as demonstrated by public figures like Abraham Lincoln and Ira Glass.
🎧 The script humorously suggests that having a voice like the narrator's is desirable, but ultimately, it's the user's voice that should be embraced and developed.

Q & A

What is the primary factor that determines the deepness of a voice?
-The deepness of a voice is primarily determined by the length and thickness of the vocal cords, which is influenced by the amount of testosterone a person was exposed to during puberty.
Why is it not advisable to artificially deepen one's voice by speaking from the lower throat?
-Artificially deepening the voice by speaking from the lower throat can cause wear and tear on the vocal cords and make the speaker hard to understand.
What is the 'mask' in the context of voice projection?
-The 'mask' refers to the area on the face that includes the lips and the bridge and sides of the nose. Projecting the voice from this area helps to avoid a nasally or artificially deep voice.
How can one determine their natural pitch and tone?
-To find one's natural pitch and tone, one should project their voice from the mask area and say 'mhm' while paying attention to the slight vibration in that area, which indicates the natural pitch and tone.
What is the significance of breathing from the diaphragm when speaking?
-Breathing from the diaphragm provides more power to the voice, can slightly deepen it, and adds resonance and gravitas without straining the throat.
Why should one not focus too much on having a 'manly' voice?
-The focus should be on owning and utilizing one's natural voice effectively, as a good voice is one that is warm, expressive, clear, and has a wide range of natural pitches.
What historical figure is mentioned in the script as having a higher-pitched voice but being a memorable orator?
-Abraham Lincoln is mentioned as having a higher-pitched voice but being a memorable and convincing orator because he made the best of his natural voice.
How can one improve their voice without changing its natural pitch?
-One can improve their voice by finding their natural pitch and optimal tone, projecting from the mask, and breathing correctly from the diaphragm to add power and resonance.
What is the importance of having a voice that is easy on the ears and carries well?
-A voice that is easy on the ears and carries well ensures that the speaker is understood and leaves a positive impression on listeners, contributing to effective communication.
Why is it beneficial to speak with the optimal pitch and tone that comes from the mask?
-Speaking with the optimal pitch and tone from the mask ensures that the voice is neither nasally nor straining, leading to clearer articulation and reduced vocal strain.

Outlines

00:00

🗣️ Voice Deepening and Projection Techniques

The paragraph discusses the desire for a deeper voice and the limitations of natural vocal attributes. It explains that the depth of a voice is largely determined by genetics and puberty-related hormonal changes. Attempting to artificially lower one's pitch can cause vocal strain and make speech difficult to understand. Instead, the narrator suggests finding and embracing one's natural voice, which should be warm, expressive, and easy to understand. Techniques to improve voice quality include projecting from the 'mask' area of the face for optimal pitch and tone, and using diaphragmatic breathing for added resonance and power. The narrator emphasizes that while one's voice may not be suited for movie narration, it can still be confident and pleasing by making the best use of one's natural voice.

05:00

🎶 The Pursuit of Personal Voice Development

In this paragraph, the character acknowledges the information provided by the narrator and expresses a desire to work on his voice further. There's a hint of the character's independent nature, as he plans to take the advice and apply it in his own way. The paragraph ends with a light-hearted note, suggesting that the character values the narrator's input but also has his own agenda for personal development.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Voice

Voice refers to the sound produced in a person's larynx and uttered through the mouth, which is a fundamental aspect of human communication. In the video, the theme revolves around the idea that while one's voice may not be naturally deep or 'manly,' it can still be improved and owned with confidence. The script uses the character's desire for a deeper voice to explore techniques for enhancing one's natural voice.

💡Vocal Cords

Vocal cords, also known as vocal folds, are two bands of muscle tissue in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound. The length and thickness of these cords, influenced by testosterone during puberty, determine the pitch of a person's voice. The video script mentions that the deepness of a voice is primarily determined by the vocal cords, setting the stage for the discussion on voice improvement.

💡Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone that plays a significant role in the development of male characteristics, including the deepening of the voice during puberty. The script references testosterone to explain the natural variation in voice pitch among individuals, highlighting the biological factors that contribute to one's voice.

💡Natural Pitch

Natural pitch refers to the most comfortable and authentic tone at which a person can speak without straining their voice. The video emphasizes finding one's natural pitch as a key step in developing a better voice. The script provides an exercise where the character is encouraged to find this pitch by focusing on the vibrations in the 'mask' area of the face.

💡Mask

In the context of the video, 'mask' refers to the area of the face that includes the lips and the bridge and sides of the nose. The script suggests projecting the voice from this area to achieve a natural pitch and optimal tone, avoiding the strain associated with speaking from the throat or the nasality of speaking from the nose.

💡Optimal Tone

Optimal tone is the most effective and pleasing sound that a person's voice can produce. The video script discusses finding and maintaining an optimal tone as part of developing a better voice. It is achieved by projecting from the mask and is characterized by a balance between pitch and resonance that is easy on the ears.

💡Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a muscle that separates the chest from the abdomen and plays a crucial role in breathing. The script explains that breathing from the diaphragm, rather than the chest, provides more power to the voice and can add depth without strain. This method of breathing is recommended to improve voice quality and projection.

💡Breathing Technique

Breathing technique refers to the way a person inhales and exhales, which can significantly affect the quality and power of their voice. The video script advocates for diaphragmatic breathing as a method to enhance voice projection and resonance, contrasting it with chest breathing, which is described as weak and detrimental to voice health.

💡Resonance

Resonance in voice refers to the fullness and depth of sound that is produced when the voice vibrations are amplified within the body's cavities. The script mentions that proper breathing from the diaphragm can enhance resonance, giving the voice more gravitas and making it more pleasant and powerful to listen to.

💡Gravitas

Gravitas is a sense of seriousness, dignity, and authority that can be conveyed through one's voice. The video script suggests that by improving one's voice through proper techniques, such as diaphragmatic breathing, a person can achieve a voice with gravitas, which can command attention and respect.

💡Confidence

Confidence is a feeling of self-assurance and belief in one's abilities. The video's message emphasizes the importance of owning and being confident with one's natural voice. It suggests that while the voice may not be 'movie narration ready,' confidence in one's unique voice can make a significant difference in communication.

Highlights

Deepness of a voice is primarily determined by the length and thickness of the vocal cords.

Attempting to artificially deepen your voice can cause strain on your vocal cords.

Speaking in a lower pitch can make you hard to understand.

A manly voice can be achieved without a deep baritone by developing your natural voice.

A good voice is warm, expressive, and has even resonance.

The voice should carry well for people to understand what you're saying.

The voice should be flexible with a wide range of natural pitches.

Method one for improving your voice is to find your natural pitch and optimal tone.

Projecting your voice from your mask area can prevent strain and a nasally tone.

To find your natural pitch, say 'mhm' and feel for vibrations in your mask area.

Method two for improving your voice is to breathe from your diaphragm for added power.

Breathing from the diaphragm gives your voice more power and can slightly deepen it.

Breathing correctly improves resonance and gravitas of your voice.

While your voice may not be movie narration ready, it can still be confident and enjoyable.

Abraham Lincoln had a higher-pitched voice but was a memorable and convincing orator.

Howard Cosell's nasally voice became recognized by sports fans across the nation.

Ira Glass has a high-pitched, nasally voice but hosts a popular radio show.

The key is to own the voice you have and make the best of it.