posted on May 23, 2003 10:18:21 PM new
I have an embarrassing voice. I sound like I'm around 7 or 8. When unknown people call me, they ask for my mommy or daddy, it's that bad. People giggle at my voice, especially if I go through a drive-thru. I don't sound like a Munchkin or anything, just like an 8 year old. I've even thought about surgery! Any suggestions?? Should I try and sing along to Barry White songs or something??
posted on May 27, 2003 08:58:55 PM new
Kraft: I'm a singer, and I've observed some of those little-girl voices in speaking. Most people don't breathe from way down in their abdomen (diaphragm); they're breathing shallowly from the top of their chests.
Try this: Next time you answer the phone, take a deep breath. It'll relax your diaphragm and perhaps help your voice to go lower. Oh, and stand up straight! A lot of shallow breathers breathe that way because they're hunched over and are crowding their lungs. Good luck, kiddo.
posted on May 27, 2003 09:32:09 PM new
Thanks Roadsmith! I've found interesting stuff on the internet that talks a lot about breathing properly, etc. Looks like it's not as uncommon as I thought. I'm working on it!
So, you're a singer? That's wonderful! What kind of music do you sing?
Twelve, I knew you'd try and use that against me at some point.
posted on May 27, 2003 09:33:04 PM new
Krafty - I have the opposite problem - I was mistaken for my mother since I was about 12 but I don't have an accent (I was teased so much about my accent when I left the south that it was gone within 6 months). I hate listening to my voice but have been complimented on it so I guess it's not that bad. To be fair thoough Krafty - I don't think I know any non performers that actually really like their voices - most cringe at the sound of it on tape.
posted on May 27, 2003 10:59:17 PM new
I sing with a group only. Never solos! I have a good alto/tenor blending voice, perfect pitch, can read music very well--and LOVE to sing. Not professionally. I sang with a group in Las Vegas which did everything from classical to pops to background music for hotel shows (to pay for our music!). Loved it. Moved to Utah, and for 21 years I had no outlet to sing. It was a huge hole in my life. Moved to this little mountain arts town in So. Cal. and sing now 2 - 4 concerts a year with the Idyllwild Master Chorale. I adore singing with groups and would go to rehearsals every week of the year if I could.
My only complaint is that we don't do a concert every month!
posted on May 28, 2003 04:48:44 AM new
I hate my voice! Most people tell me it's a great voice, especially on the phone. But, I hate it. I think it's too low. Not so low that I sound like a man, though. Don't even ask me to sing. For some reason, the notes come out all wrong. I could sing your favorite tune and you probably wouldn't even recognize it. Hats off to all of you with great singing voices! You make our world a more pleasant place to be.
Cheryl
My religion is simple, my religion is kindness.
--Dalai Llama
posted on May 28, 2003 02:24:14 PM new
I am stone-cold tone deaf. I can't carry a tune in a bucket. People pay me NOT to sing. However, when it's just me and the car and the radio, I go to town.
Ironically, people who hate my singing voice love my speaking voice. I personally think that I, also, sound like an 8-year-old. My job requires me to call people who haven't necessarily met me, and I sometimes have a hard time getting folks to take me seriously because I sound so young.
My sister, whose voice is very similar, had a semi-funny experience in college ... she answered an ad for "phone work" only to find they meant "phone sex work." The guy bumped up the amount he was willing to offer her twice before she was able to end the call.
