A new study has revealed the top characteristics that make a “good” voice to listen to, with British adults saying that distinctiveness (37%), captivatingness (27%), and soothing tones (22%) are most important.
The study of 2,000 adults also found that almost four in five (79%) say a calming voice helps to put them at ease, and 59% say their own voice has been impacted by a health issue.
When it comes to celebrity voices, the study found that Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry are the most popular, followed by Sir Sean Connery, Dame Judi Dench, and Absolutely Fabulous star, Dame Joanna Lumley.
More than seven in ten (73%) believe a celebrity’s voice plays a large part in their overall success and appeal, while 78% feel an iconic voice, that people know and like to listen to, can be a powerful tool to spread important messages.
The study also found that nearly half of those polled (43%) said these celebrity’s instantly recognisable voices are what make them so iconic, and 27% appreciated how quintessentially British these voices are.
Professor Silke Paulmann, head of Psychology Department at University of Essex, and spokeswoman for Jakemans, which commissioned the research, said that our voice is as unique as our fingerprint and forms part of our identity.
She added that voices are powerful tools that can tell others how we feel and elicit a range of emotions in them.
Paulmann also said that a calming, soothing voice helps us overcome upset, and a powerful, motivational voice can get us going when we need encouragement.
She added that the beauty of the voice is that it doesn’t require us to pay close attention to it, as our brain picks up on voice cues within milliseconds and we form impressions about others based on these cues.
The research also found that six in ten Brits have experienced a health issue which has impacted their voice, and of those who have, almost a third (31%) were forced to take time off work, or cancel social commitments, due to the problem.
When remedying issues such as a sore throat, hoarseness, or loss of voice, throat lozenges are the most popular choice of treatment.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, from Jakemans, added that it is important to look after and rest your voice, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.
Brits reveal the top characteristics of a good voice to listen to
A new study has revealed the top characteristics that make a “good” voice to listen to, with British adults saying that distinctiveness (37%), captivatingness (27%), and soothing tones (22%) are most important.
Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry top list of best British celebrity voices
When it comes to celebrity voices, the study found that Sir David Attenborough and Stephen Fry are the most popular, followed by Sir Sean Connery, Dame Judi Dench, and Absolutely Fabulous star, Dame Joanna Lumley.
Nearly half of Brits say celebrity voices play a large part in their overall success and appeal
More than seven in ten (73%) believe a celebrity’s voice plays a large part in their overall success and appeal, while 78% feel an iconic voice, that people know and like to listen to, can be a powerful tool to spread important messages.
New research reveals how powerful voices can be in affecting our wellbeing and behaviour
Professor Silke Paulmann, head of Psychology Department at University of Essex, and spokeswoman for Jakemans, which commissioned the research, said that our voice is as unique as our fingerprint and forms part of our identity.
She added that voices are powerful tools that can tell others how we feel and elicit a range of emotions in them.
Brits urged to protect their voices as they are fundamental to our identity
The research also found that six in ten Brits have experienced a health issue which has impacted their voice, and of those who have, almost a third (31%) were forced to take time off work, or cancel social commitments, due to the problem.
Elizabeth Hughes-Gapper, from Jakemans, added that it is important to look after and rest your voice, especially if you’re feeling under the weather.