Many people feel that their recorded voice sounds different from how they perceive it when speaking. This discrepancy is due to the way we experience sound internally versus externally.
When we speak or make any vocal sounds, we hear a combination of two components: airborne sound and bone conduction. Airborne sound travels from our vocal cords through the air and reaches our ears, allowing us to perceive our voice externally. However, bone conduction refers to the vibrations that travel through our bones and tissues, directly stimulating the inner ear. This bone-conducted sound provides an additional component to our auditory perception.
When you listen to a recording of your voice, you're primarily hearing the external component—the sound that travels through the air and reaches your ears. This can sound different from what you're accustomed to hearing because it lacks the bone-conducted component that you experience when speaking. Consequently, your recorded voice may seem unfamiliar or slightly different.
There are a few factors that contribute to the perception of our recorded voice as sounding nice or pleasant:
Objectivity: Listening to your recorded voice allows you to hear it from an external perspective, which can provide a more objective judgment. You may appreciate certain qualities or aspects of your voice that you were not aware of or focused on before.
Acoustic characteristics: The recording process captures the acoustic properties of your voice, including tonal qualities, resonance, and clarity, which you may find pleasing or interesting.
Psychological factors: Our perception of our own voice can be influenced by psychological factors such as self-acceptance, self-confidence, and familiarity. If you have a positive self-image or are comfortable with your identity, you may have a more favorable perception of your recorded voice.
It's important to remember that perceptions of one's own voice can vary among individuals. Some people may have a strong negative reaction to hearing their recorded voice, while others may have a neutral or positive response. Regardless of personal preferences, it's essential to embrace and appreciate the unique qualities of your voice, whether it's how you perceive it or how it sounds in a recording.