Discussion Forum (Archived)
Guest
I listen to a lot of podcasts. And while many feature hosts with pleasant voices (think of AWWW), there seem to be too many with hosts who have irritating voices or vocal styles.
I would divide these into three groups: the Americans, the Australians, and the English.
Many Americans have this affectation where they growl and speak from the back of their throat. I know this has been discussed on the show, in particular with regard to women. I don't mind it much with women, but in men, it drives me nuts: speak forward, dude! Are you just so relaxed and cool you can't push that voice up into your mouth? (example: David Plotz from Slate.com, although he's improved.)
The Australians are not alone in this, but it's almost a rule for them. I'm talking about uptalking. Would someone please answer these folks' question so they can actually speak with a declarative intonation?
The English (only speaking about the English), seem to often have a very nasal adenoidal voice. Blow your noses! Undeviate that septum! (example: Simon Dunn from Sunday Supplements... yikes!).
Thanks for listening.
>>>while many feature hosts with pleasant voices (think of AWWW)
WHEW!
I know what you mean, Marc. I suppose there's something to be said for the idiosyncratic, homemade feel of a lot of podcast voices -- there's a certain quirky, individual charm. But listening to a lot of them does make me, if I do say so myself, appreciate podcasts that have a certain professionalism to them.
MarcNaimark said:
The Australians are not alone in this, but it's almost a rule for them. I'm talking about uptalking. Would someone please answer these folks' question so they can actually speak with a declarative intonation?
I listen to a few podcasts from Australia's ABC radio (I think that AWWW listeners would particularly enjoy the Lingua Franca podcast), and I've never really noticed this. I'll need to listen for it next time I listen to one.
Martha Barnette
Grant Barrett
Grant Barrett
1 Guest(s)