Not being happy with your voice is one thing, knowing why you are unhappy takes a bit of analysis. Most of my students are quick to complain about the sound of their voice, but when I ask what it is they don't like about it, they can't name the problem. More often than not, the part of the voice they do name, is not where the problem is. I have found the best way to pin point what needs "fixing," is to take a simple voice analysis exam.

This exam contains 20 questions. Read each question carefully to see which one(s) relate(s) to your voice. A simple yes or no answer will work just fine. There are no right or wrong answers, and no grade to strive for. Your reward at the end of this test is a better understanding of how you perceive and hear your own voice. Remember, how we hear our voice is not always the way others hear it! Mouse ready? Go for it... Check any boxes that apply to your voice, then hit the Get Results button for a quick and easy answer to your voice problems. (For additional voice questions and answers go to the news and information page.)

Does the sound of your voice played back on your answering machine make you cringe?
Do you find yourself short of breath when you talk on the telephone?
Do people have difficulty hearing you and constantly ask you to repeat yourself?
Does your voice tire at the end of the working day and sound raspy and weak?
Do you find yourself constantly clearing your throat with a vengeance?
After talking all day, does it feel as though there is a lump in your throat?
Do people constantly misunderstand you?
Does your voice have a nervous quiver and shake when you talk?
Does your voice feel weak when you try to loudly express yourself?
Do you have frequent colds that always settle in the throat area?
Do you hear your voice as high-pitched and irritating?
Do strangers on the telephone think you are a child? (That's a little problem.)
Do strangers on the telephone think you are the opposite sex? (That's a big problem.)
Does your throat feel rough and dry when you are speaking?
Do you hear your voice as "lifeless" and dull?
Does your voice quality sound weaker in the morning and seem to improve as the day goes on?
Are you a heavy breather?
When faced with a confronting situation does your voice feel tight and "squeezed" causing the pitch to go up?
Does your voice sound nasal and thin?
No major problems to "speak" of. You would simply like to improve the voice you have.

Now that you are done with your test, go back over your answers to see if your first response was truly the way you feel about your voice. When you agree with your answers, hit the Get Results button.