Three tips for training your voice | NPR Training | NPR

[@melissalouidor4302]

Surprised to read comments about Jessica’s voice sounding “contrite” “prissy” etc. To me she simply sounds pleasantly assertive and direct

[@williamblair1123]

I was thinking "pretentious", and "pompous". Mary Louise is almost on the same footing, but everyone says that's just because of her hearing loss. I don't believe it. She is also "pretentious", and "pompous", but somewhat more tolerable.

[@danielkingery2894]

It's your brainwashing that keeps you from hearing the reality...you have been programmed to "feel good" about NPR hosts... I think this video is HILARIOUS. I've been making jokes about 'using your NPR voice' for 20 years.

[@obsidiansea]

It's called misogyny.

[@obsidiansea]

She has a perfect voice.

[@danielkingery2894]

@@obsidiansea IF you were referring to MY statement, then please update your misinterpretation...I can't stand the pompous, pretentious, and condescending tone put forth by the men on NPR either. (See 'brainwashing' above. You're a victim of that, not my so called misogyny.)

[@nonomiconone9124]

Jessica is bloody brilliant. Her voice is my very favorite in this Universe.

[@obsidiansea]

I knew this was going to be a great video before I watched it and it did not disappoint! Susan Stamberg has one of my most favorite radio voices. She's amazing. I'm surprised some of them didn't know these exercises because I assumed they all had to do lots of vocal exercises in order to have such great voices.

[@obsidiansea]

When the Diane Rehm Show used to be on, I remember listeners calling in who had clearly written down what they were going to say beforehand and were just reading it. Not only did they choose wording you would tend to use when writing and not when speaking, but they sounded like they were reading mindlessly rather than talking. It reminds you how great public radio journalists' speaking voices are.

[@jimterrinoni6781]

I listen to NPR all day, most of the day. I have always admired the voices of MANY of NPR hosts. Today I stumbled upon Jessica Hansen's voice tip training video. Soooooo glad I found this. Hansen is phenomenal. I am excited to try these tips out. Hansen is a consummate professional. One thing about this video, besides being helpful, is there is a lot of humor embedded in it. This nuanced humor is one of the reasons I love NPR.

[@phant0mdummy]

I've been in love with this womans voice for 4 years. Something in me snapped. I finally had to see her face. She is perfect.

[@controlfreak110]

She was a great instructor. Clearly someone who loves the material they focus on! Great video!

[@thomaslequeux8857]

Dr, Joyce Brothers had a soothing voice. Jessica's voice is just as soothing. I am new to NPR and appreciate the sound coming from her mouth. I listen every day now that there is no sports on air.

[@daisyjones9894]

Who’s listening in 2021? Excellent session! NPR is one of my favs.

[@danmagoo]

Women on NPR are the biggest offenders with "vocal fry" (not the stars, but many of the supporting players), to a point that forces me to switch channels or turn off the radio, and I truly applaud this woman for addressing the issue with constructive advice.

[@FlabbyDouglas]

Men also have vocal fry but due to sexist notions that male vocal fry sounds pleasant and female doesn’t is the real reason why you turn off the radio.

[@danmagoo]

@@FlabbyDouglas No, that is not "the real reason I turn off the radio." You began with a fact then decided to make something up.

[@danielkingery2894]

NPR tends to play loose with facts...its what NPR listeners like.

[@obsidiansea]

You absolutely need to listen to the Science Friday episode on vocal fry.

[@obsidiansea]

@@FlabbyDouglas 100%.

[@swansong487]

God, it's always so weird to finally see the face of a person whose voice you know so well.

[@TSquared2001]

Imagine my surprise when finally seeing Steve and Renee (on a bus ad for Morning Edition) in 2003

[@jafuni9349]

I’ve looked at so many videos this past hour. This one was the most substantial and informative one, plus it was done very entertaining.

[@karenovasquez]

I've been trying to fund some quick and easy vocal exercises. These are great, thank you!

[@cjoviac]

Her voice is absolutely perfect!! So Glad that I can now put a face to that magnificent voice!! ❤️

[@DarkPa1adin]

this is one of the BEST tutorials EVER!

[@monkeymeat2024]

She has such a soothing voice. There's also a guy that also names sponsor and has a nice voice too.

[@nandoGdog]

At last I can connect a face with Jessica's voice! Now if only Lakshmi Singh would do a video.

[@TSquared2001]

nandoGdog that would be EPIC

[@user-jo7wf9wf9u]

lol

[@fucketaboutit]

Well she needs to change here flipping name to WATCH ME SINGH Latch makes no fuggin sense at all

[@obsidiansea]

@@fucketaboutit FYI, there are other cultures and other languages in the world besides your own.

[@nancyl7989]

Thanks NPR, you are the best!

[@wisemantrader5401]

Best vocal exercise I saw so far!! I have watched too many videos on vocal exercises and how to use your diaphragm yet this one I feel will fix my vocal projection forever

[@zerospecs2331]

People have always told me I have a beautiful speaking voice and I should do radio, commercials, anything that entails speaking lol. And that's fine, I appreciate the compliments. Currently now I am looking into starting a podcast and want to learn how to sound better, and speak better. This video was very enjoyable and insightful for me. My mom used to be a public speaking teacher at a college and I knew about breathing exercises, or exercises to "break the ice" but the ones shown here were really interesting, especially the last one lol. If you came back to speak after imitating a child throwing a tantrum, or an opera singer and STILL sounded monotone...there's a problem lol. Great stuff. Thank you so much for sharing NPR 🙏🙏😁

[@ilikeponie]

I've been listening to Jessica for YEAARS

[@asmrpastoral274]

I like Ms. Hansen's voice so much I Googled her to see who she was- and to try to find some other recordings with her voice on it. Everyone is obviously entitled to their opinion but I don't understand some of the overly-rude comments. They seem unnecessary and undeserved imho.

[@lizstanbul4821]

This was very helpful! Thank you!!

[@rickyiglesias5384]

i've had a vocal crush on this lady for years. first time seeing her. always thought she would be short with dark hair. haha. so interesting to see her.

[@KevyNova]

Same here! I always pictured her with short brown hair and glasses. I was totally wrong, but I still love her voice.

[@TurtleMyrtle12]

She does have dark hair, she just bleaches it.

[@obsidiansea]

If you're having a hard time with the lip trills, you can take your index fingers and push them into your lower cheeks. It's sort of like a training wheel if your muscles are too weak.

[@EvaCortez]

Wow that really helped! Thanks so much!

[@jaimlawson]

👀

[@haley5501]

Every time I do a test recording, I pretend I'm Jessica Hansen introducing a NPR piece :)

[@MemphiStig]

at last! i'm finally prepared to launch my new youtube channel, "the cowboy opera child star newscast" with support from viewers like you. thank you.

[@obsidiansea]

Everyone should listen to the Science Friday episode on vocal fry.

[@yourmomdisapproves7122]

Omg! You're the one with the affectatious voice that has me changing the Chanel!!!!!

[@js46644]

Given your use of the word affectatious, I presume it's not long before you switch back to NPR. :-)

[@clipsahoy1]

My people!!!!! I change the station as soon as I hear her beggy, unnatural affectation, too. I change back when I think she's done. Interestingly she sounds fine in this video, but when she's doing the npr support announcements and over fluctuates her voice she sounds like she's pleading for her life. It's the vocal equivalent of over-acting.

[@Goudenogen]

She sounds so horrible I have to clap my hands hard over my ears not to hear her. Affectatious is the perfect word for that repulsive recording. Make it go away!

[@karihardarson1234]

She sounds perfectly delightful to me - I am not picking up the affectatiousness but then again English isn't my first language.

[@obsidiansea]

Wow - so many hateful people. Her voice is perfect.

[@Community56sunshine]

(sigh)... I'm in love! I finally found out who the voice is behind NPR's funding credits. Fantastic!

[@n.s.676]

OMG, Jessica, thank you for talking about vocal fry! Please help stop this viral trend on "This American Life"! It is not only annoying, it makes it more work to listen, to hear the end of every sentence that is trailing off, which can get exhausting!

[@Iamkarinasolis]

This is AMAZING!

[@citrixman]

Jessica Hansen is as beautiful as her voice ! Awesome video

[@rh861]

Corey. You missed your calling.... Crazy Corey on Seinfeld!. Jerry he is a voice over coach.. so don't freak out when you talk to him he is always working on his voice technique. Hey Jerry, this my Buddy Corey.

[@logan3576]

I love love love how they cut to another person for the "Vocal Fry" section, because that lovely lady from the beginning was not going to be getting rid of hers. ^_^

[@obsidiansea]

You need to listen to the Science Friday episode on Vocal Fry.

[@ivanwashington3186]

a pleasant voice she has, IMHO. nothing offensive about it that I can hear. but altos/contraltos have always been my fave female vocal types.

[@MiaSpeight]

Thanks for the tips.

[@CostSteam02]

8:44 - i feel this on a spiritual level

[@Plan9wood]

Finally I know the origin of the “NPR inhale”

[@mariasulaiman7180]

Helpful, thanks.

[@sufiyo]

Oh my God. I was just doing the chiauhua breath along with the video, with my cat comfortably preening himself next to me... He stops, looks *right* at me... jumps at and attacks me - biting me on the arm!! Like what the actual?? I must have been doing it well 😂🤨

[@balefulphoenix2088]

I'm here from "That Guy With A Voice"

[@TSquared2001]

I didn't know Sam Sanders was a Brotha. Nice!

[@pttrtradingcards7478]

Thank you

[@chielan80]

this is great!

[@NicosRap]

5:25 play at .25 speed.

[@heyitsjeffagain]

Nico's Rap - I'm laughing so hard I'm crying. Thank you!!!

[@drsloan]

That was awesome!

[@OpheliaSHolmes]

Instructions unclear- got lightheaded and passed out at chihuahua

[@johnalvarez2873]

npr mvp

[@t.a.p.3801]

Since masks are more acceptable now. Can a mask or ear-insert be made that analyzes ones voice and auto-corrects the pitch and tone if needed to sound positive? To perhaps improve communication between users?

[@zarastorm4981]

8:11 that was definitely Jim Carrey 😂😂😂

[@Phunx7]

"you make it sound so fancy" My thoughts.

[@alfredoolivares6920]

The older lady looks like she could be Mick Jagger’s tween sister.

[@MorganHorse]

I was not ready to hear Jessica’s face--yep that’s how not ready I was

[@cherrybaylon9737]

Thanks and God Bless!

[@wolfferoni]

Wow that last guy sounds like an actual singer

[@keishagittens2866]

The guy at the end is talented...lol...Cory Tuner

[@UnearnedConfidence932]

What happened to the NPR hyperlink from the description? It doesn’t work anymore.

[@lenakunzx]

Omg these two woman are so cute / the old lady♥️

[@existentbeing97]

Omg I know, right! 😂🍷👵🏻💕

[@tiktocky8175]

Wow, this video was posted in 2017 BC! Before corona. Can't imagine all throwing those breaths in close proximity today! Rona is real

[@chillylion6858]

2017 BC?

[@thewalterandryanshow]

@@chillylion6858 before Coronavirus 😂

[@danielkingery2894]

What a bunch of moronic words....never heard of I'ermectin? They all use it to keep from getting the Rona...super safe and effective...they just don't want to burst your subjugation affirmation by informing the public of the truth.

[@CONNIETAN1127]

I liked the opera singer hehe

[@priscillawarrson4512]

😂😂😂😂😂i love this!!!

[@pt4942]

Vocal Coach : Uma Thurman's long lost sister.

[@JRWoodgatesPPB]

Good video. I wish someone had removed the wall clock from behind Stamber's left shoulder, though. I couldn't help noticing the time differences that betrayed continuity breaks.

[@tessallations378]

Ooooh you're right I hadn't noticed that! Went back and checked it and now I'm wondering what order it was filmed or if they just shot a couple of takes. Thanks for pointing out that Easter Egg :D

[@rwxrw]

2:30 Nice breathing!

[@tedfox2683]

I ❤️ how the npr voices are chock full of arrogance and self centeredness. Especially when they ask all baited questions. It's so funny to listen to. 😂😂😂 Of course we all know it's a comedy skit........Right?

[@pygmy_leopard]

How do you get the liberal whisper down to a Tee?

[@TheRealPots]

5:35

[@ArabAmericanChannel]

👍👍👍🙂

[@DeltaMike601]

5:26 Don't watch while drinking water.

[@talikwilliams2070]

Lmao 😂

[@niceday2015]

Funny and useful

[@agodsiproductions6516]

Is she in hunters?

[@jeskvell3254]

i'm getting light headed

[@R45YA]

My Name Is Muhammad Rasya and I learn Theory Of Language Speaking

[@evhantheinfidel]

Years of smoking weed have allowed me to master my breath.

[@vinista256]

I hope she gives Ayesha Rascoe some lessons, although her flaws don’t fall within the ones mentioned here.

[@jonplaud]

8:25 reminds me of my fiancee's father.

[@roycheng6623]

She kinda looks and talks like Jan from The Office

[@clipsahoy1]

Jessica Hansen sounds normal here, but she needs to sound more natural and not so comically affectatious when she does her npr announcements. It's ridiculous. I thought I was the only one who can't tolerate listening to her, until recently i heard several people say that they turn off the volume to their radio until they think she's done and then turn it back on. Apparently the way she says her announcements is unpleasant to a lot of people. How about if npr hires someone who speaks naturally? Even if they have a bad voice, it'd be better than the way Jessica does her announcements in that over-acted, beggy, sing-songy, and frankly cringe worthy way.

[@luvnhapines]

H Z suggest moi!! I have a podcast @simply_csea if you’d like to listen!

[@HowellsArlen-w4b]

Hall Eric Walker Jose Martinez Charles

[@desertrose0601]

How to sound more natural on air... don't talk like anyone from NPR. 😂 They all have a very distinct way of speaking, but it's definitely not natural.

[@AlexisKasperavicius]

I laughed out loud when she said that - you can tell it's NPR from any announcer within 3 seconds. But I'm also sure they think it sounds natural, which is hilarious and slightly creepy at the same time.

[@mitchg7809]

When she’s done teaching vocal modulation she is going to kill Bill.

[@prophetbunny]

Right?! All she needs is the yellow suit

[@dr.catherineelizabethhalse1820]

I came here to learn to train my voice but I came back as a furry.

[@abergman5]

NPR voice training pro tips: try to sound slightly drowsy and bored, with a touch of coastal condescension. A male-identifying voice must be distinctly lacking in testosterone related characteristics (unless portrayed as toxic), with a subtle touch of nasal whineyness. A slight lisp is a plus. Female-identifying voices must sound crisp and authoritative, while painting a mental picture for the listener of a serious set of horn-rimmed pseudo-intellectual glasses. Alternatively, Paula Poundstone. Yeah, she's pleasant on the ear.

[@peacesquad5312]

Jessica is cute 🥰.

[@jaimlawson]

I’m scare someone is going to think I’m watching something nsfw 😳😅

[@carlwinslow4175]

Please change the voice on NPR ads its too smarmy

[@shadbakht]

First steps are useless. Skip to 6:00

[@SteveMartinUSA]

…and listeners like you?

[@ashoknayaki7776]

Arabic bible app English Bible Afrikaans bible Swahili bible Somali Bible Italian bible Audio bible install

[@TheUnboxBrothers]

Now if only the voice over person for this video would learn to clear her throat before cracking the mic. Vocal fry needs to stop, regardless of what Terry Gross' guests have to say.

[@moneysuckle]

Never heard of NPR. Are they new?

[@ivanwashington3186]

i'd like to also hear advice from shay stevens.

[@gmar7836]

Everyone should like dogs. Just sayin…

[@StoryeTime]

Jessica Hansen is a good vocal coach but her delivery for her announcing job is so pompous, pretentious, it's horrid, I can't stand to hear her, I have to turn the radio off every single time, it's that bad. Unbearable! NPR needs another voice, more natural and not as pompous

[@MzKlara]

Thank you! I thought I was the only one who had to turn her off. There are two words that come into my mind every time I hear her: "prissy," and "teacher's pet."

[@geraldthom5396]

Given the accepted understanding that all impressions are subjective, and I am sure yours are sincere, I am of the other camp. I wonder though, if we are divided along gender lines? I’d go out on a limb and opine that she’s more pleasing a voice to men than women.

[@MzKlara]

@@geraldthom5396 You could be right.

[@Goudenogen]

I agree, her delivery on the NPR recording is repulsive in the extreme. Her voice is fine, that’s not the problem. The delivery is horrendous.

[@williamblair1123]

@@Goudenogen Yes, exactly.

[@Goudenogen]

Dear Ms. Hansen, Please do another promo for NPR and “this stayshon (that’s how you pronounce ‘station’). Your voice on that promo or whatever it’s called makes me jump right out of my skin each time it comes on. Work on it some more. Work on just tossing it off naturally or something. I seriously doubt that I’m far from the only one in the world that gets very seriously irritated in an alarmed way when your recorded voice that comes on super loud whenever some soft music is fading out-BLARB-there you are again and again and again and again. please change it. Do it much better. You’ve been so lucky in life for some reason, well okay, I’m not suggesting NPR fire you. Just work on sounding natural, and please make a better recording. I don’t mean to make you feel bad, but that voice drives me bananas.

[@davidlong1786]

You have got to be kidding me? I LOVE LOVE LOVE how she says "stayshon"! I had to go look up who she was because of her voice. It's unique and sexy and gets my attention every time I hear it.

[@williamblair1123]

Chandra - I believe that you are far from alone with this opinion.

[@jeffwallen7455]

Jessica has a truly wonderful voice. I enjoyed listening to her here in this video in fact. BUT! The way she sounds so pompus/arrogant while reading the underwriter info on NPR! UHG! Makes me want to jam a pencil in my ear! TIP FIRST! Especially when she says station... STAY SHUN. Sounds terrible and grinds my nerves to a pulp!

[@biggeniusman]

Jessica Hansen sounds TERRIBLE. I listen to radio 3 hours a day on average. I listen to dozens of on air talent - Jessica Hansen is TERRIBLE. She has a totally unnatural. Like she has multiple layers of self doubt and princess-y aloofness. I immediately turn off or change the station every single time. I tried getting used to her, thinking she was brand new at this voice over stuff, she might relax after a few months...but that hasn't happened and I now turn her off immediately. She sounds like she needs counselling and a useful job. What a nightmare. I finally did this search to find out who she is. Jessica Hansen must go! thanks for listening.

[@pookoos]

I don't think her voice is very special- she's sort of adenoidal. And when she took over doing the underwriters I thought she sounded very affected and unprofessional.

[@cilla5277]

Sorry, but I've never liked her voice.

[@DesmondBedarte]

I cannot tolerate Jessica Hansen's voice. To me, it is horribly, sickeningly contrived. To call it "natural" is ludicrus to me.