Vocal Branding: How Your Voice Shapes Your Communication Image | Wendy LeBorgne | TEDxUCincinnati

[@cephoras]

Since I became a voice-over artist, I've noticed that my personality has changed for the better and business associates take me more seriously. When you work with your voice it really does affect how people respond to you.

[@jordanaragon3732]

How do you work on your voice?

[@a_Joy_2_cre8]

@@anunstoppablelife How does a person go about finding a vocal coach?

[@kaligoodz3750]

how did you get into that job

[@katiearbuckle9017]

Oh weird I done Voice over as well in the past and I am now currently going to be doing Audiobooks. So I am going to be working on my voice some more. But at my current state I been told I have a very soothing, very common voice for my age group. At some point someone also said I sounded like a "Podcast"

[@azizjafari1930]

You use the app called voice recorder

[@Trapizzium]

Key Points: 1. Intensity - volume of voice - not too low, not too high 2.Inflection - wavyness of the voice - don't be monotone 3.Rate - Number of words per minute - between 168 to 200 WPM is best 4. Frequency - Pitch of voice - High pitch makes man timid 5.Quality - Clarity and pinch of magic to voice - what differentiates you from others

[@alterego157]

Appreciate it

[@joshuagoes]

Thank u

[@Donutforthewin]

Thanks

[@alexiswatson-lowe9833]

I've been told that: 1. I speak too quietly 2. I decrescendo my speech (Up at the beginning of my sentences rather than the end) 3. I speak too fast 4. I have a high squirrel like voice Combined during group speech projects this leads to a perception that; I am uncertain of myself, but knowledgeable about whatever I am speaking on (regardless of whether I actually know anything about the topic), that I am nervous about presenting information, and that I may be upselling or exaggerating whatever base facts are from the topic assigned speech. This is from teachers of a variety of subjects; math, business, public speaking, English, science, etc. that have all stated similar phrases about my vocal brand. I am so happy to see a TedTalk about the topic that puts this in perspective, that all of these factors really matter. When I manage to speak a bit louder (in a typical indoor voice), when I add more inflection to my sentences/vary their inflections more, take a deep breath and speak slightly slower than normal, my higher voice can be ignored a bit easier and the focus can be more on the what and not the how. This is a super important topic, especially for autistic folk like myself. I wish this was taught to people from a much earlier age.

[@voiceaerobics]

LOVE this talk. As someone who works with many patients who have experienced changes in voice due to Parkinson's, vocal tremor, or medical conditions, the relationship between voice and how others see and hear us cannot be understated. Can't wait to share this TED talk with patients.

[@willowakiokami]

That's a wonderful idea! Thank you for your commitment to your patients.

[@TracieClaiborne]

This was one of the most flawlessly executed talks I've seen to date. People would be so much further ahead in life if they could master these skills. The up-talking is so pervasive in America!

[@murk959]

What do you mean by uptalking

[@TracieClaiborne]

@@murk959 when someone says the end of a sentence like a question when it’s not a question. Very common in young women.

[@Sunwu-h9m]

Truth, communication skills is #1 in becoming successful

[@DianeDiResta]

Very informative talk. As a executive speech communications coach I encourage my clients to eliminate uptalk. The voice is powerful. When I hear irritating voices on TV, I change the channel. It's actually draining to listen to someone who has too much nasality, speaks too fast, or uses a lot of uptalk. I especially counsel women leaders to speak with the voice of authority if they want to be taken seriously.

[@azppmd]

Preach!

[@pattyg5855]

Voice Brand= Intensity, Inflection, Rate, frequency and quality.

[@mikkey246]

Thanks!

[@lorikellett7089]

It’s so easy to judge when your not the person talking.! I enjoyed her speech and very interesting and enjoyable. !

[@Khushi_R9]

you're* I am sorry I just- I tried to ignore it T_T

[@Brinta3]

@@Khushi_R9 That clause in the last sentence is much worse though: “(I enjoyed her speech) and very interesting and enjoyable.” It’s missing at least two words.

[@loann6127]

2:20 As a voice pathologist for the last 20 years, my job has been to look at what elements go into the most elite voices, what gets them hired in the professional arena and how do we maximize those elements. It goes far beyond the words we say. Right? So there's that old adage it's not just what you say but how you say it and there's lots of coaches that talk about intonation and things like that. But the reality is it's the combination of certain elements that go into creating your voice brand. 3:40 Let's take a look at these five elements. The first thing is the intensity of voice. There's a comfort level for intensity. If I take a simple sentence: 'I need you to get this done today' and the only element that I change is intensity: 'I need you to get this done today' all of a sudden you all take a little step back because I'm all of a sudden perceived as being aggressive, assertive, or potentially if I was at a sporting event enthusiastic. If we take that same sentence and all I do is change intensity 'I need you to get this done today,' I'm potentially being perceived as shy or uncertain of what I'm talking about.

[@rotatorsoftware]

As a non-English native speker, I can pretty much tell this lady speaks so clearly and so beautifully...

[@pavla2055]

Very interesting . Confirms what I've known for years - my quiet weak voice allows people to assume they will either ignore me or walk all over me . Lots of anger from others when they find their assumption to be incorrect . I really find certain voices to be VERY appealing and am put off by others .

[@Annie261.]

Barbara Christie My voice has always seemed to make me invisible. Need to work on that.

[@BadgerBabyBoy]

I can't stand loud ppl who talk all the time Let their personality do the talking not the volume of their very annoying voice that won't shut up Empty vessels make the most sound

[@janemorbaofficial]

Time to maximize elements to create voice brand. I am loving this journey to set up more intention 😊

[@JulieFalen]

People have always commented on my voice being a "good" or "great" voice - and pleasant. Since I started a radio show it has gotten better and I am helped by your advice too!

[@velus1630]

I too really absorbed her explanation

[@astridcastillo806]

I really loved the exhibition that she spoke about the voice, these elements are very important when we use our voice to obtain a good communication

[@markgates5268]

THANK YOU for this wonderful talk! I had actually just just watched another Ted Talk given by a man who was born with some noticable facial deformities. When he first hit the stage the only ones who may have been a little uncomfortable were out in the audience. Until he spoke. This man radiated self-confidence and he immediatly won us all over simply by using a great tonal sound and proper inflections combinded with a a natural deep rich voice that would have allowed me to listen to him go on for hours. It also seemed that he became even more confident and powerful as he went on which made him even more engaging and attractive!!!

[@nbccxzjjnx7869]

What's his name?

[@mirandacentofanti227]

Could you share his Ted talk link please? Sounds fascinating!

[@CutsterbutMature]

You're talking about Sam Berns right?

[@l.a.raustadt518]

Interesting info. I can see now I was in the right profession , truck driver. Best voice feature , none. I can back the heck out of a semi though! Thank you Dr. Wendy great info for a retired trucker to learn something new. Love TEDx Talks!

[@susanduczek4043]

Why are you watching her TED talk if you are already 'perfectly suited' to your profession. I am sure you are winning friends and influencing people everywhere you truck.

[@briannconn]

Appreciate you!

[@rblightchild]

I'm deaf but can carry on conversation with aids, it never ceases to amaze how important language and commo skills are and how many perceive my vocal communication and non verbal communication and the differences of my perception as well

[@joshuagoes]

🫵🤣🤣🤣

[@AuthenticAna]

For a number of people exploring d world of podcasts ... THIS is smething to take into account 🎙😊

[@Dishabhojwaniii]

the way she expressed her expression I love it, voice is very important in communication people may judge you with your voice don't worry about it

[@webworm13]

My friend has a what I call a cultured voice. Now I know it's all about her inflection. Thank you

[@BillyGollnerMusic]

Dr. Wendy LeBorgne is so amazing. She is also co-author of an amazing book, The Vocal Athlete, which I cannot recommend enough!

[@jillcampbell8019]

Billy Gollner - thanks for the recommendation. 👍🏻

[@luvsaTKO]

Thanks I have to get this book. Does she express in the book how to adjust your voice at interviews?

[@simaroyaich-kf2vu]

Definitely, our voice will decide what would be our intentions👍

[@ShunXXX196]

In customer service, voice is the most important thing as well. Especially when customers decide whether or not they are going to yell at you. If you answer like your actually happy to talk to them and fix their issue, they won't feel like they aren't being heard

[@ennamorgan]

Soooo happy that someone is talking about that uptalking that drives me absolutely nucking futs! It sounds so sycophantic and...ugh! Thanks Dr LeBorgne for calling it out, now let's just hope folks will knock it off.

[@reemj7315]

She’s wonderful I enjoyed every minute!💗

[@philippinerev8995]

You have that beautiful way of talking thank you ms. Wendy

[@lavieestbelle6068]

There is power in our voices. This was a excellent.

[@johnmcfadden9620]

It's sad, now that we have the somewhat anonymous internet everyone becomes a critic wants to tear down speakers. What happened to manners? Do you think you can do it any better? Try listening to see what you might learn. It you don't like it, quietly leave and keep your mouth shut.

[@ratatouisvuitton864]

Unfortunately, manners do not exist on the internet. People have the freedom to say whatever they want, whenever they want without thought. Anonymity permits them, in a way, to say things they'd never even think of saying to anyone in person, its an extremely detrimental realm of social interaction, what you're saying makes a lot of sense.

[@susanduczek4043]

I know - right?

[@dontsaymynameunlessyouknow8775]

I actually disagree with you and not even about the internet but real life People should be more and more Honest and have less filters When speaking

[@hopetrnr0]

@@dontsaymynameunlessyouknow8775 Think of how frequently you've uttered "honest" but hurtful or tacky comments to other people rl or online. Now, pile all those comments up. Next imagine someone saying all of those hurtful comments to you all throughout each day you live. Could you emotionally handle all of those comments being said to you on a constant basis? Really think about. Or is it likely that you could find a tactful way of being honest? Or, could you possibly just stf up if you are not capable of using your words to build others up instead of tearing them down? Could you imagine saying these comments to your mother? Or do you think you would hurt her? What if you looked in the mirror every day and spoke to yourself the way you speak to others? Would that make you feel good? Or would it start to make you feel not so good about yourself? I charge you to be a little more responsible with the way you speak and find a way to be tactfully honest to your fellow human beings who really are your sisters, brothers, and elders. One Love. True Love.

[@dontsaymynameunlessyouknow8775]

@@hopetrnr0 but why you assume "honest" is negative? Do you know how many people have positive thoughts and comments about others but never admit it? Think about that for a minute

[@anjilenagrace9868]

meanwhile, me; a very quiet, low intensity, occasionally shy speaker... listening to this video on 1.5x speed as she discusses rate 😂😭

[@anjilenagrace9868]

@@Youness-violon 💞

[@ovaismalikvo]

As a voice actor, I found this extremely interesting!

[@CindyWilsonMBA]

The people who are commenting with critiques about her own voice issues are completely missing the point. She is using various techniques throughout her entire talk to demonstrate. Just like her opening gambit being mild vocal fry, after which she then circles back almost at the end and refers to it.

[@Albanianator]

You're right, they are missing the point. The reasoning why they are missing the point is because of her changing her techniques. The people that understand what she's doing also are missing the point. It is hard to re-wire or re-train the brain from just a 12 minute video, as we have 200k years of brain development as a species and as individuals (the age of the audience) have 10+ years of brain development/wiring. Please try to understand what I'm writing, as I might not be wording it to properly portray my point. Going back to my point, if you were to re-watch the video again you (and not just you, everyone) would see the other points Dr. Wendy was making. That's the beauty of this.

[@ernaherlina8014]

I truly understand the points and understand the various techniques she's demonstrating to point out her points. But I believe the problem people have is when she's not demonstrating the techniques, just her normal 'public speaking voice', she's contradicting her own teaching (she doesn't practice them). I have watched other TED-talks on the same issue where the speakers demonstrated various techniques, but they really practice what they teach in their public speaking voice.

[@markcollinsdesigns2122]

Great advice! Wendy encourages us all to be aware of ourselves and who we are; naturally. The five points formula is invaluable and works in many points in life. Think on that.

[@miskoala2344]

I went through so many videos of this type and so far this one makes the most sense 😊

[@iamstlouisvixen]

Thank you I struggle with my tone and this gave a ton of insight on how to regulate it

[@dancingdallas8365]

Understanding what I just learned is amazing in voice branding

[@ShyamkrishnanNair]

This is such an eye-opener! It’s fascinating how our voices shape perceptions long before we even start talking about our ideas. I once had a colleague whose voice was so monotonous that even the most exciting news fell flat when he shared it! Now, I try to be more mindful of my tone and inflection, especially when I’m working on my engagement skills for the Sense of Humor Improvement Program by Habit10x. Remember, mastering your vocal brand can truly transform your interactions! Your voice is your superpower-make it count!

[@Ranjanwatson]

Thank you. Your talk about is loaded with value.

[@eliott6215]

Here I am thinking about my ‘customer’ voice I use to serve customers, my ‘friends’ voice, and all my other voices that I actively recognize as different and always suit the situation perfectly.

[@glgl1472]

I sound easily 35 to 40 years younger than I am so you can imagine the shock on people's face when they see me. I work in a profession where even if I talked with a certain amount of professionalism and decorum I'm still viewed as being exceedingly young so of course I can't know anything. I totally agree with the speakers assessment of voice branding and perception.

[@edg.2676]

I have the opposite problem; I'm four years old and I sound 80 !! It leads to a lot of problems.

[@austinekennyakunne8346]

To God be the glory............

[@douggodfrey6521]

Loved your talk Doctor !

[@mahmoudgomaa2670]

I really appreciate your hard work for giving your knowledge to us in a simple way❤❤

[@luvsaTKO]

Great talk. I found it so interesting..

[@aishas5071]

People have natural pitch of the voice and most (almost all) people don’t act or fake how they speak. I am who I am, no matter what.

[@JscottMays]

Your voice has been shaped by stress, childhood attention to requests, fear, etc. The "I" is malleable. It can also be ignored.

[@kristinereese]

Go Wendy!!! The best!

[@pavankumar-xs9su]

love this talk I was watching every day Ted talks it was very use full way of speaking level Impressed one day we will see me same stage.

[@francesj.mceachin729]

I found this Ted Talk to be interesting, and her presentation of it is on point. She had a great intro, substance to her outline and she closed her talk by tying in her intro. It would be cool to meet her some day and speak in person about this. She might even have some pointers as to why I always get interrupted, it can’t just be because I’m soft spoken. Maybe there is a Ted talk on the psychological reasons people interrupt

[@madhavikawade8149]

Ya there is surely a lot more to it. Even Mj had a soft voice but uts regarded as one of the most angelic as well as poweful on stage singing voices

[@tessarae9127]

Perhaps body language plays a role too!

[@murk959]

How do you notice such things as thing it bavn to the intro,feginee outline,goodclosing statement ? I want to learn how to do this

[@ad03dh]

She did a good job with the examples

[@cherubwrld]

This was the most interesting Ted Talk I’ve come across. Thank you ☺️

[@RIMJANESSOHMALOOG]

Im going to work on my voice everyday!!

[@denisesheehan9189]

Thank you! This may solve the decades old mystery of how Cantonese speakers like me will speak perfectly correct English grammatically can be perceived as 'rude/ condescending/demanding etc' by native English speakers because Cantonese tones are often flat without much infliction and are lower. There may be hope after all!

[@mattmcrae]

She was brilliant!

[@austinekennyakunne8346]

I am so happy and grateful that now I am that's I am...............

[@omarperez7797]

I like the video cause it is an interesting topic, and also cause there are so many people who really need this speech. I think, we have our own way to talk, but it's important to educate our voice for different situations in life. Not always is the same conversation, and the same people. Thanks to read my comment ;)

[@SoniaBataebo]

Very true ! I hate listening to my own voice on my KZbin Channel.Especially when I am editing my videos or someone is playing my video right infront of me.

[@evawu4591]

so grateful for this tedtalk!!

[@ryanjescobedo3913]

Wow, this was interesting. My voice frequency will be alined with the frequency of love. I think if you get your mind and heart in alignment first then your "voice brand", as Wendy named it, will come automatically. I have to work on this.

[@doreendsouza8862]

Excellent video ..lots of information . Thank You..

[@kAcHaNcHiniFy90]

Wow, I learned a lot. Thank you very much.

[@luthfieludino]

Inspring Talk👍

[@rynausorous]

Ive been told on the internet I have a soothing voice and wondered why people stare strongly when I talk in person but I rarely say intelligent or important things 😭

[@cleonemusician217]

Stunning presentation! Huge thanks.

[@KM-dk5gn]

Ironically, I can''t keep my mind from wandering when listening to this person talk.

[@aishas5071]

I don’t like to try to examine and analyze things we do naturally and effortlessly. There is no point.

[@玉子焼きちゃん]

If she had a good voice and could implement the techniques perfectly, she wouldn't be an analyst, she would be an artist. So stop criticising her for what she isn't a professional at.

[@Albanianator]

@@玉子焼きちゃん Well said, and I'm sure the Doctor also knows this, but she still got up there and did it. :) She knows she would be judged, we all judge, it's in our nature. Even when you are not intentionally judging someone or saying anything negative, if the people on the receiving end are in a negative mind set they will only focus on the negative parts of what you're saying (or how her voice sounds, even though she's intentionally changing it, she can't change some things). It's hard to teach people to be impartial, keep an open mind and have no emotions while learning (or trying to learn). That's their own internal struggle as they're trying to reach that Yin and Yang equilibrium :).

[@kaygee301]

She sounds very American. Perhaps you are American Kevin?

[@UVAngel17]

my toddler over here getting frustrated over how many times she keeps saying "I need you to get this done today" lol she dislikes being told anything and is taking it personally. lol

[@loann6127]

The second element that goes into voice brand is inflection or intonation. In music we very rarely hear a piece that is on one note all the way through from the beginning or the end. That'd be pretty boring, right? So the international patterns of speech are what make it interesting in the two extremes we have a highly sing-songy rate where it sounds like you're talking to a two-year-old all the time and you're perceived as being unintelligent in what you're saying or we have the complete opposite where someone totally doesn't change your tempo or their inflection at all: “I need you to get this done today”. They're bored they're uninterested in what they're saying and they're not connected to it 4 69s The third element that goes into your brand is rate, that is how fast or how slow you talk. So if we have a super fast talker “ I needed you to get this done today”. All of a sudden you feel super rushed. You're slightly agitated in what they're having to say right. Similarly if we slow down that rate of speech I need you to get this done today”, I'm perceived as condescending because I'm talking down to you because I'm talking so slowly. Just like in music it's the give and take of the pace of what we do that makes it interesting. The fourth element is frequency. Frequency is measured in hertz and we know that there are normative data for men women and children here in the United States and abroad of what the average fundamental frequency should be for us to like their voice. So frequency becomes important.

[@sukumarraju5662]

Avoid anger. Stop shouting at people. Engage in Emotional stability by using your voice to drive people for results

[@lennexofficial]

Speech increased to 26

[@curtpriestley2107]

Good lord. Much love interacting with women.... the way you talk to anyone is beyond complicated

[@saikumar6216]

she is best, wow i learnt so much

[@malgretout563]

Interesting and massively beautiful talk. Thumbs up

[@VanyaReads]

Will use this information to improve my voice skills. Specially for my channel.

[@danieloliva5966]

Thanks for the great lesson Wendy. God bless you.

[@yannahvale99]

This is so helpful. 👏🏻💛

[@amogrows]

quite sure I'm going to get it done today

[@samuelmarte5384]

Great vid.

[@007Tenalirama]

Enjoyed the talk. Thank you Wendy

[@hawanajwaabdullah6134]

This is really good!!

[@ActMysterious]

We had to look at this for our English homework and i don’t understand anything...I need to ask people in my class for help

[@ianloveservice]

Where u from?

[@austinekennyakunne8346]

IT'S done. Thanks ......

[@positivelyserena]

Interesting talk. I do find that I tend to get better results when I speak to customer service Vs my colleague. I have a young and gentle voice, so I've been told, and a unique accent...

[@tiddlywinks456]

I do also but I smile a lot and give compliments and am interested in others, a smile even comes through on a phone call.

[@BarbraManaT]

"Hi, it is my pleasure to be here with you all today. In those 13 syllables..." Uhh, that's 14 syllables...

[@katieirish5765]

I can NOT stand up-talk! It drives me nuts when people do this. And it's amazing how many people do this.

[@ChipEichelberger]

Kate, it is a learned skill not a gift. You can do it with practice and determination. If you tell yourself you "can NOT stand-up and talk - then you cannot. Let that go!!!! You may have had a bad experience once and have said that to yourself for 10 years. That happens all the time. Your past does not matter. I bet you have no problem telling your friends a funny story that happened to you. If you can tell it to a few you can tell it too many. Be kind to yourself. Use your phone to video tape yourself - listen to your voice, vocal variety, watch your facial expressions, how do you stand, move with a purpose. Review yourself often and you will get better and better. Get a mentor to help coach you. I believe a big part is getting your body ready before you speak....the way you breathe, stand, move is essential. Do 10 jumping jacks! Get you body into a state of certainty FIRST just like any performer or athlete.

[@cashopa]

@@ChipEichelberger Chip, she said she can't stand it as in can not tolerate the sound of it. But I agree. It is certainly not a gift.

[@ernaherlina8014]

@@ChipEichelberger wow long comment but you totally misunderstood what the OP said.

[@nosyrosie3716]

⭐ Thank you, too. 👏👏👏👏 ☺

[@rashisharma6439]

Illuminating..

[@HamzaHamza-sh6sw]

Intensity .. inflection .. rate (fast .. slow 162 .. 257 per minute ) .. frequency.. quality

[@deedotmartins]

Wow that was super interesting. Definitely food for thought!

[@iqi616]

A good talk. Maggie Thatcher famously went to a voice coach. Seemed to work it's magic on Ronnie. Personally I was a fan of Gloria Hunniford with her Irish purr - she could make a McDonald's menu sound like Fifty Shades of Fries!

[@cciccone61]

Thank you!

[@michaelc.1710]

The vocal fry thing is interesting because in Britain, that, albeit with a very different accent and make-up, is part the very very upper class accent. I’m thinking Blowers from TMS

[@FrancesShear]

Since getting my windpipe crushed twice, going through severe whiplash too 3 times etc. my voice is now unpredictable except in church and during my bath time. So much so that my own mother remarked once to me on the telephone, "Your voice sounds awful right now". So how now at age 63 am I supposed to get along in a more and more selfie driven work world that sometimes involves videotaped fist year practicum tests? There is only so much voice coaching some of us can go through like being threatened by a choir director that he is going to crucify whoever he finds out is singing with a western drawl without now rolling our eyes and feeling like throwing up.

[@SqueamishNerd]

The cultural aspect of intensity is very important. As a Swede I often find Americans sounding so arrogant, only because they speak so loud compared to Swedes.

[@BadgerBabyBoy]

How do I train my voice?

[@F-J.]

Skilled !

[@HB-xw6im]

Really like this topic and this was a great ted talk. I’m living abroad and where I am there no voice coaches. Can anyone share some of the online resources they used in order to find the “true voice”? Gonna research glottal voice now :)

[@DOCTORQUITMAN]

VALENTINE "I NEED U TO GET THIS DONE TODAY" LMAO

[@kazirahman7752]

wonderful and i love it.

[@TrishBlackwell]

*_I Love this!_*

[@Bellavanacoffee]

very intresting! thank you!

[@ugochukwuotuonye5928]

I believe you can give me more techniques for singing. Please how do I contact you?

[@ahmetkaratas9817]

So helpfull, thanks😍