Why Bother Noticing the Sound of Voices?

We are unique individuals known by others because of our one of a kind personality, appearance, mannerisms, and the sound of our voice. We are distinct and no one else is an exact match to us. Though similar physical features, voice tones, idiosyncrasies and quirks are observed within families, still no two people are the same. 

Our Voices

Twice a month, my siblings and I converse by phone. These conference calls give us the opportunity to connect with one another’s lives and discuss a specific topic or question prearranged by the host for that particular call. The time I spend on these phone calls has given me insights and an awareness of the distinct tones, inflections, and cadence of my siblings’ voices. 

My oldest brother has lived most of his adult years east of the Mississippi River. His dialect differs from the rest of us who live west of the Mississippi River in that he elongates his vowel sounds. Also, the volume of his voice, no matter the subject we are discussing, is always even. He is not an excitable individual. Instead, because of his business background, he has a very efficient sounding voice. 

When I dial into those twice a month calls, I inevitably interrupt a private conversation between the oldest and third born sisters. They like to dial in early and converse before the rest of join. I’ve noticed that their voices blend, almost perfectly.  But when I announce my name, their voices become distinct as they greet me. 

My oldest sister, I think, has the greatest voice range. It deepens when she is serious, squeaks a little when surprised and when communicating something sad, she chokes with emotion.  

I can tell by my third born sister’s voice when she is tired, when she is still in her professional business mode, or fully relaxed and ready to have fun. She often defaults to using precise language, I think because she wants to be sure she is understood.

The second born sister is the most quiet of the three. She will listen to everyone else’s comments without interrupting them and when it is her turn to speak, she does so with quiet and thoughtful words. 

Bruce, the second born brother, seems to have two tones, a funny one and a compassionate one. He is a pastor, oozes with empathy and is quick to laugh. 

Finally, my youngest brother can mimic a lot of different voices as well as strange sounds. But when he is not trying to be funny, he speaks in a monotone and almost sad voice.  

Why bother noticing the sound of voices? Our voices are unique, individualized and reveal to others who we are. All of this is to say, you can hear my voice, and decide for yourself how my voice sounds when you click on this link  All-Things. It will take you to a podcast where you can hear Athena, from Redemption Press interviewing me about my book.