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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To hate my voice so much that I want to change it?

35 replies

countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:33

Whenever I hear my voice on a home video or answering machine I HATE IT. It's high-pitched, nasal, I speak too fast (I think). Urgh!

What on earth can I do?

OP posts:
Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:35

Apart from stopping talking altogether, I mean Grin

OP posts:
Claw01 · 09/04/2019 17:35

Everyone hates their voices on hearing them back, don’t they?!

Aquamarine1029 · 09/04/2019 17:37

Take lessons from a voice coach. They can really help. I had a friend who went to one years ago and the difference was amazing.

GemmeFatale · 09/04/2019 17:38

Speak slowly and breath properly when speaking. It will make a huge difference

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:39

That's an idea. Wish I'd done it earlier. I've been talking like this for a very long time. I wonder how many people I've turned off with it? I heard that trying to lower your voice an octave is helpful, but to be honest I forget.

OP posts:
Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:40

People never take me seriously. I sound younger than I am because of it too, I think. I often find in conversations people just talk over me. Maybe it's the content of what I am saying too, of course...too boring?

OP posts:
Hfksnbd · 09/04/2019 17:41

I hate my voice, I think everyone does. I always remind myself that I can't recall I time in my life where I've ever been speaking to someone and thought what an awful voice Smile

mimibunz · 09/04/2019 17:42

How old are you? When I was in my early 20s I almost died the first time I heard my voice. I promise you it’s not as bad as you think it is!

Teaa · 09/04/2019 17:43

The tip about speaking more slowly is a good one.

I hate my voice too. In fact, after hearing myself the other day I’ve discovered I have a lisp! Why has no one told me this before?! Weirdly I don’t hear it in my head...

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:44

I'm early 50s.

OP posts:
Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:45

Obviously, when people can see me, they don't think I'm young of course Grin but I feel they just see me as a bit of a lightweight. Perhaps I am.

OP posts:
LakieLady · 09/04/2019 17:46

In my head, I sound like Joanna Lumley, but when I hear myself, I'm more like a slightly posher Janet Street-Porter.

I bloody hate it.

TooGood2BeFalse · 09/04/2019 17:47

I am 31 with an extremely high-pitched chilldlike voice Blush On the phone it's even worse, and I am regularly asked if my Mum is there. I am Mum....

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:49

I'd like a lower-pitched calming voice. Mine can get quite shrill when I am excited/angry too.

OP posts:
Iooselipssinkships · 09/04/2019 17:50

Take up smoking 40 a day?

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:51

Take up smoking 40 a day?

Grin I may get a husky purr with that.

OP posts:
SimonJT · 09/04/2019 17:51

I sound like a 14 year old girl, I’m a 31 year old man, so I definitely feel your pain.

When people phone me I get “Can I speak to Mr Simon please?” To which I reply that I am Mr Simon which normally results in something like “Mrs Simon can I speak to your husband please?” fuck sake.

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:53

Oh, SimonJT Grin We must all do something about this. This can't go on!!!!!!

I am listening to a podcast and the woman has such a lovely voice IMO. Wish I could talk that way.

OP posts:
mimibunz · 09/04/2019 17:55

Oh dear. I would agree that you might want to hire a voice coach if you hate it that much.Check out the page of Ann Utterback, she’s a voicedoc!

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:55

Thanks, mimi

OP posts:
mimibunz · 09/04/2019 17:55

And don’t mention my name!

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 17:56

okay Wink

OP posts:
SimonJT · 09/04/2019 18:18

Countchukula, I smoke too, otherwise I would probably sound like a 12 year old! I’m like one of the dogs from Up when their collar goes wrong.

Original poster
countchuckula · 09/04/2019 18:20

SimonJT You are really making me giggle Grin

OP posts:
mintbiscuit · 09/04/2019 18:25

OMG. This is me! My voice is awful.

Can a voice coach really help? How? What kind of results can I expect?