One relatively simple trick to hear your voice as others might perceive it is to cup your hands behind your ears while speaking.
Here's a breakdown of why this works and other methods you can try:
Why You Don't Hear Your "Real" Voice Normally
When you speak, you hear your voice in two ways:
- Air Conduction: Sound waves travel through the air to your outer ear, then to your middle and inner ear.
- Bone Conduction: Sound waves travel directly through the bones of your skull to your inner ear.
Bone conduction emphasizes lower frequencies, making your voice sound deeper and richer to yourself than it actually is to others, who primarily hear the air-conducted sound.
The Hands-Behind-Ears Method
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How it works: By cupping your hands slightly behind your ears (without fully covering them), you’re effectively creating a small chamber that minimizes the influence of internal bone conduction. You're amplifying the sound waves that are traveling through the air around you, which is how others primarily hear you.
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How to do it: Hold your hands a few inches away from your ears, forming a gentle cup shape. Speak normally and pay attention to the change in the sound of your voice.
Other Methods to Hear Your Voice More Accurately
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Record Yourself: This is perhaps the most common and effective method. Use a smartphone, computer, or recording device to capture your voice. Listen back critically. Be aware that even recordings can have subtle variations depending on the microphone quality and recording environment.
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Video Recordings: Recording a video allows you to hear your voice in conjunction with your body language and facial expressions, giving you a more complete picture of how you present yourself.
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Ask for Feedback: The most direct way to understand how your voice sounds to others is simply to ask them. Choose someone you trust to give you honest and constructive criticism. Ask them about clarity, tone, and any other aspects you're concerned about.
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Use a Voice Recorder App with Playback Delay: Some apps offer real-time playback with a slight delay. This allows you to hear your voice almost simultaneously as you speak, making it easier to adjust your delivery. (Search app stores for "voice feedback" or "delayed audio feedback").
Important Considerations
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Familiarity: No matter which method you use, the first time you hear a recording of your voice, it might sound strange or even unpleasant. This is perfectly normal! Over time, you'll become more accustomed to it.
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Recording Quality: The quality of the recording equipment can affect the sound of your voice. Use a decent microphone and recording software for the best results.
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Self-Perception: Remember that your perception of your own voice is subjective. Don't be overly critical. Focus on identifying areas for improvement and developing a voice that you are confident and comfortable with.
