Why Have So Many American Women in Films and on TV Got Growly Voices?

The trend of American women in films and on television adopting growly voices has become increasingly noticeable over the past few years. This shift is not limited to just Hollywood; it can be observed in various media outlets and public figures as well. The question that arises is whether this is a new phenomenon, or has it been present for a longer time without much attention. Additionally, is the same trend applicable to men, or is it primarily a gender issue?

Perception and Perception Discrepancy

It's not just in Film and TV; this trend has also been observed in other fields. A notable example is Elizabeth Holmes, the disgraced co-founder of Theranos, who often modulates her voice in a manner that can be perceived as high-pitched. Such vocal modulation often leads to unfair perceptions of women as lightweights, lacking intellect, or authority. However, the same phenomenon can occur in men as well, although it is more commonly linked to women.

A common unconscious mechanism to counter this perception is the affectation of a lower voice register, often referred to as vocal fry—especially prevalent among women. Vocal fry is a rough, creaky quality in the voice that is often perceived as unfriendly or unprofessional. This phenomenon has grabbed the attention of many due to its prevalence in modern media.

The Audible and Unwanted Gravel

An interesting observation is that the growly voice often results from a lack of proper vocal training. Many speakers unintentionally or consciously push their voice to the back of their throat, producing a gravelly, unpleasant sound. This is unfortunately common in American women in media, but less so in British actors, who generally maintain a more melodic and natural tone.

One way to achieve the best voice is to speak from the vocal chamber of the mouth, the open cavern, and pushing the voice up into the roof of the mouth. This is natural for children and young adults, as they tend to speak this way due to their physiology. Pushing the voice to the back of the throat results in a growly quality, as evidenced by an individual’s personal experience where it almost hurts to do so.

Understanding Vocal Fry

Vocal fry is an affectation, an intentional change in speaking style that some individuals adopt to mitigate the perception issues associated with high-pitched voices. It is often perceived as irritating or unpleasant, and once you become aware of it, it becomes almost impossible to avoid noticing it.

To better understand vocal fry, one can experiment with their own voice. By pushing the voice to the front of the mouth, it can sound much more melodic and pleasant. Conversely, by speaking from the back of the throat, the voice takes on a growly, unpleasant quality.

Conclusion

The shift towards growly voices among American women in media is a complex issue rooted in social perception and professional expectations. While vocal training can significantly improve this issue, awareness and conscious effort are crucial steps towards a more balanced and inclusive representation.

Note: For a deeper understanding of vocal fry, you can refer to this article: What Is Vocal Fry.