How to Develop A Manly Voice | Art of Manliness

Summary

The 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.