How and Why Are Our Voices Changing?

Men's and women's voices have changed over the past 60-70 years. Why?

Well, as societal and cultural norms change, our voices reflect it.

Men's vocal ranges have expanded substantially in the last 70 years, as service industries have grown and technology takes over many of the occupations that used to depend on brawn, and social skills have become more vital. Even a successful male broadcaster today is expected to have a far greater expressive range than in the past.

American women's voices have deepened over the past 60 years, as they have become a stronger part of the economical workforce.

It just illustrates the huge role that voice plays in how we interpret and play our roles and how paying attention to voice enables us to track social changes.

In my work, I often work with men who are trying to make their voices more dynamic-less flat, monotone, or held back, and with women on "de-emotionalizing" their voices-making them a little deeper, consistent, and "authoritative" sounding.

All the world's a stage, folks, and the roles are always changing... And what might work for a role today won't tomorrow.