Why Do We Dislike Our Recorded Voice? Decoding the Mystery

Have you ever experienced that jarring feeling when you hear your own recorded voice, only to feel oddly disconnected from it? It's a common phenomenon, yet the reasons behind it are often misunderstood. This article aims to demystify why we dislike our recorded voice and provide insights into how to make peace with your recorded self.

The Complex Alterations in Voice Perception

When we speak, our voice is altered by the physical structure of our body, including the tissue of our neck, the bones of our skull, and the way sound travels through our inner ear. These alterations make our voice sound richer and fuller to our ears. However, when we hear our recorded voice, we are only hearing the unaltered sound that directly comes out of our mouth. This stark difference often leads to a sense of disorientation.

Psychological Discomfort and Unfamiliarity

The unfamiliarity of hearing your own voice recorded can be psychologically uncomfortable. It can make you feel as if you are a “unky outsider” or “E.T.” without knowing it. The black sheep setting you find yourself in can be isolating. This disconnect is often due to the differences in how sound is perceived and altered through different mediums. When you speak, the sound vibrations travel a different path compared to when you listen to your recorded voice. In a recording, the voice sounds more like it travels through the air, directly through your vocal cords, and directly to your ears, bypassing the usual alterations.

Recording Your Voice for Clarity and Control

To better understand and accept your recorded voice, it is essential to experiment and record yourself speaking in various ways. By doing so, you can gain a deeper understanding of your voice and learn to control it more effectively. Here are some tips to help you embrace and improve your recorded voice:

Experiment with Different Styles

Do not be afraid to try different styles and techniques. Experiment by singing out of tune, using bad phrasing, or attempting to sound like you have an accent. The key is to be fearless and inquisitive. You might start by singing like Frank Zappa with an English accent. The more you experiment, the more you’ll discover what works for you. Find your unique “thing” that sets you apart and allow yourself to be bigger than life in your delivery. Slow down your cadence, talk directly into the microphone, and be a little dramatic or creative—in essence, anything that deviates from normal conversation.

Listen with a New Perspective

Understand that the recorded voice sounds different because it does not travel through the same tissues and bones that alter your voice when you speak. Instead, the recording captures the sound as it travels through the air. This different path leads to a different sound. It's not inherently worse; it's just different. By accepting this difference, you can learn to control your voice better and be more comfortable with how it sounds when recorded.

Practice with Purpose

Regularly record your voice speaking in various ways. This practice will help you develop better control over your vocal abilities. Whether it’s through reading aloud, singing, or reciting poetry, consistent practice will help you understand the nuances of your voice and how to use it effectively. Remember, the more you practice, the more you will get used to the sound of your recorded voice.

Conclusion

Disliking your recorded voice is a common and understandable phenomenon. It's rooted in the complex way our voices are altered by the physical structure of our bodies and the way sound travels differently in recordings. By embracing this knowledge and actively working to understand and control your voice, you can overcome this discomfort and even enhance your vocal abilities. So, the next time you hear your recorded voice, embrace it and continue to grow as a speaker and singer.