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From:  gwyee@r...
gwyee@r...
Date:  Sat Dec 9, 2000  4:51 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist-temporary] Re: head/chest voice; was: why do women...?


At 07:47 AM 12/9/00 -0700, the venerable Dr Hanson wrote:
>[snip]...... And if one adds to this
>condition the drive by many females to speak with more authority by
>lowering their speaking voice you get a picture of a societal condition
>that encourages females to be more like males.
>And the irony of all this is that much of it was sought by females
>themselves to try to achieve equality.

Dear Lloyd,

I agree with what you've written, here. However, in my opinion, it's not a
phenomenon limited to just females. I think we all tend to speak in a lower
pitch to garner authority. Listen to how one's voice drops when talking to
a dog that has just had an "accident" in the house. Without intending to,
my own speaking voice drops an octave (or more) during meetings with
colleagues to discuss "politically inspired" agendas. I also find that I
have to lower my voice to be understood by some of my more elderly patients
with presbycusis. It makes for a very tired larynx at the end of the day.

GWendel


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