Voices

[toppstuff]

What do you think you sound like?

I am told that I have a relatively neutral accent, yet when I hear myself on tape or video I think I sound like a pirate..Yarp.

I was reminded of this the other day when watching a video clip on a phone. And it got me thinking.

We take the sound of voices for granted all too often, but a voice or accent is a rich source of memories and sensations.

Thinking about it, I am mindful of the strong Cornish accent my grandfather had and the voices and accents of friends over the years.

And the heartbreaking way an ex GF's voice would crack slightly when she spoke gently in some post-coital moment. She had a great sounding voice which was heaven to listen to, even if what she was saying often made no sense at all ...

I think she is responsible for the soft spot I have for female vocalists.

On the other hand, a recent trip to Tyneside had me struggling to understand what was being said and laughing inside at the absurdity of it.

A work colleague over from the US is amazed that the UK has so many different accents that are spread across so small an area.

So do you have an accent? A particularly pleasant sounding voice? Is your voice / accent an important part of who you are?

Edited by toppstuff on Monday 22 December 10:20

[kambites]

I sound posh, apparently. I think that means I pronounce things right?

[crofty1984]

Unfortunately I sound a lot posher than I think I do and a little nasal. I hate my voice.

[esselte]

kambites said:

I sound posh, apparently. I think that means I pronounce things right?

Shouldn't that be "correctly"?...

[andy400]

I've been told I sound 'posh' and very 'Queen's English', but when I hear myself on tape etc I just sound flat, dull, thick as a whale omelette, and slightly adenoidal. Hate it, but I think most people hate the sound of their own voice, which comforts me a little.......

[kambites]

esselte said:

kambites said:

I sound posh, apparently. I think that means I pronounce things right?

Shouldn't that be "correctly"?...

I said "pronounce", not "structure".

[Slikk]

'parently I sound like Jack Davenport.

Lucky him.

[schnell]

Yes I think it is. As much as it sounds absurd in these times to say it, I still believe a nice 'accent' gets you further.

[kit80]

I have been told I sound posh, not sure why as I can have a reet northern twang when I want. Also I seem to be able to pull on the phone, just real life I am a let down

[toppstuff]

kambites said:

I sound posh, apparently. I think that means I pronounce things right?

Same here. Posh with a west country burr I am told.

Like a combination of Stephen Fry and a Pirate apparently. I think it sounds awful..

[elle]

hmmmm, let me think

[CommanderJameson]

In the normal scheme of things, I sound neutral to northern.

If I spend any time in the south-east, I find myself slipping into the most appalling estuary accent.

[toppstuff]

I've started thinking about ex girlfriends. While the list is not massively long, a common denominator is that the one's that stay in the memory all had attractive voices ( to me at least ) ..

Phone sex is good when they sound great too

[schnell]

toppstuff said:

I've started thinking about ex girlfriends. While the list is not massively long, a common denominator is that the one's that stay in the memory all had attractive voices ( to me at least ) ..

Phone sex is good when they sound great too

An Oirish accent is good for this

[toppstuff]

schnell said:

toppstuff said:

I've started thinking about ex girlfriends. While the list is not massively long, a common denominator is that the one's that stay in the memory all had attractive voices ( to me at least ) ..

Phone sex is good when they sound great too

An Oirish accent is good for this

Oh Yes. And Swedish..

[Steamer]

I sound like Fat-Harry-White on the phone.... awwwwwww yeeeerrrrrrrrr.

[triggersbroom]

I hate my voice

[randomman]

On more then one occasion I have been described as speaking 'well posh'

I would normally reply 'What the devil do you mean old girl?'

[davido140]

kambites said:

I sound posh, apparently. I think that means I pronounce things right?

+1 I get told I sound posh, sometime by complete strangers when out in a bar or club!

Perhaps I should stop hanging around with pikeys!

I should point out this only ever happens outside of the South East, you're either a mockney or "posh" around here!

I had a couple of friends in Coventry in fits of laughter yesterday at my Telephone voice, apparently its VERY posh.

Anyway, I prefer the term "well spoken", just means I can speak proper innit.

[V12Les]

toppstuff said:

I've started thinking about ex girlfriends. While the list is not massively long, a common denominator is that the one's that stay in the memory all had attractive voices ( to me at least ) ..

Phone sex is good when they sound great too

You know what they say!: nice on the phone...add two stone!


Thats not to say your ex's were porkers.