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Writer's pictureEmily

Why Do We All Sound Different?

Each person's voice is unique, we all sound different. No two voices will sound the same, even if you have a twin. Your voice is quite similar to a fingerprint. There are many factors that shape the differences of each person’s unique voice which ranges from anatomical differences to cultural influences.


In this blog, we'll explore the science behind why we have different voices and discuss how these variations affect how we sound. By understanding how we sound, we can appreciate our unique qualities, enhance our vocal health and improve the way we speak.


The Anatomy of the Voice

There are lots of different components that make up the voice, yet not many people are aware of how our voice works. We have our larynx, our vocal tract and our articulators that is a part of our voice. Our larynx is also known as the voice box. This is where our vocal folds (vocal cords) sit. The vocal folds vibrate when we speak, the sound travels through our vocal tract, through our throat and mouth/nose and is manipulated by our articulators our tongue lips and teeth to create different sounds, words and sentences.


So for everyone, there will be physiological differences, because everyone is built differently. The size and shape of our larynx will be one of the factors, why we have different voices. Generally, men have larger larynxes compared to women which is why they tend to have a lower pitch.


Physiological Differences

However, there are other differences which make us sound different. Whilst everyone has the same anatomy when they speak, the other physiological differences are the vocal fold length and thickness. The length of the vocal folds is normally the size of your pinky fingernail. If the vocal folds are longer in length or they are thicker, then the vocal folds will produce deeper sounds, whilst shorter and thinner vocal folds create higher pitches. A good singer will be able to create both according to how they want to portray a certain song or tone of voice. But also genetics play a significant role in determining these attributes which is why family members often have similar vocal qualities. In addition, the size and shape of the vocal tract which includes the mouth and nasal cavities can also impact a person's voice.


A person's age can also be another physiological impact. As we age, our vocal cords can lose elasticity and become thinner, altering the quality and pitch of our voice. A child's voice, for example, is typically higher due to shorter vocal cords, while an elderly person's voice might be thinner and more breathy.


Environmental Influences

But physiological differences aren't the only reasons why we sound different. We also have to consider the environmental factors as well.


Our native accents and languages are one of the environmental factors that make us sound different. The spoken language and regional accents impact pronunciation, intonation, and speech patterns, creating noticeable differences in vocal quality. The vowel sounds of different languages can lead to variations in how individuals produce sounds which highlights our vocal identity.


Your emotional state can also alter the way you speak. Emotions can drastically alter voice quality. For example, a person might speak with a higher pitch when excited or a deeper tone when calm. Stress and anxiety can lead to throat tightness and alter vocal resonance. Also when you are tired, your volume will be quieter, and you might even have a more hoarse or raspy sound because the muscles around your vocal folds have become weak and your vocal folds won't be able to vibrate at its normal capacity.


Use of any substances such as smoking will also affect your vocal quality. We know all of these are bad for your health but lets go into the details of how each of these affect your voice. With smoking, a lot of smokers have a hoarse voice, this is because smoking changes the structure of the vocal folds. The vocal folds itself is like wet tissue, and when you smoke it causes the vocal folds to swell making the voice sound deeper. Smoking can also cause polyps and nodules which are little cysts inside of your throat.


Your health can also have an impact on your voice. If you have a cold, you know that your voice might sound different. If you are shivering then your muscles may be more tense, which will affect your quality of voice. Imagine squeezing your hand into a fist and holding it for 10 seconds, tension in the muscles around means your vocal folds won't be able to function properly because your vocal folds rely on the muscles around it for it to work.


Lastly, your hydration levels will impact the quality of your voice. Remember I said your vocal folds are like wet tissue the size of your pinky fingernail. If you've been on a night out drinking lots of alcohol then you will know your voice sounds completely different the day after. Hydration keeps your vocal folds vibrating smoothly and creates the sounds you want.



From the anatomy of our voice to the physiological and environmental factors, we now understand why all our voices sound different and it makes us unique. So, the next time you hear someone speak, think about all of these things that have shaped their distinctive voice.


If you want to learn more about your own voice and want to transform how you sound. Visit my website where I offer a variety of courses to help you use your voice to create the impact you want. https://www.speakingvoices.com/




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