How to Change Your Voice

The sound of your voice is determined by the size of your vocal cords and other physiological factors. While it's not possible to completely alter your voice from high to low or vice versathere are techniques you can try to make slight changes to your pitch and volume and bring out the best in your natural voice.

How can I change my voice?

Anime voice actor Daman Mills recommends listening to your voice and figuring out where it sits. Change your pitch or develop a richer tone by projecting from your diaphragm. Disguise your voice by holding your nose or using different facial expressions when you speak. Try mumbling or speaking in a new accent.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Disguising Your Voice

Download Article

1
Hold your nose as you speak. A quick way to dramatically alter the sound of your voice is to block your nasal passagesand the easiest way to do this is to grasp your nose on either side and close off the nostrils.
- You can also accomplish a similar effect by simply blocking breath from entering your nose through the mouth.
- As you speakairflow naturally travels through both your mouth and nose. Blocking off your nose restricts the amount of air that escapes through your nasal passages and causes more air to be trapped deeper in your throat and mouth. This change in amount and pressure causes your vocal cords to vibrate differentlywhich changes the way your voice sounds.
2
Speak with a different expression. Try speaking while smiling or speaking while scowlingregardless of what you actually say.
- Expression can affect the emotion with which words are spokenbut expression also changes the formation of your words because your mouth is held in a different position.
- For instanceconsider how the word “oh” sounds when you smile versus how it sounds when your face remains loose. A loose “oh” is more roundedwhile an “oh” spoken through a smile will sound shorter in comparison and may even resemble the “ah” sound.
Advertisement
3
Muffle your voice. Place your hand or a handkerchief over your mouth as you speak. The obstacle should be directly against your mouth to produce a more dramatic effect.
- Your voicelike any soundtravels through various mediums in the form of sound waves. The way that those waves are transmitted through air differs from the way those waves sound when traveled through a different mediumlike a solid. By placing a solid obstacle in front of your mouth as you speakyou force the sound waves through that obstaclethereby changing the way that others' ears hear and interpret the sound.
4
Mumble. When you speakdo so in a quieter tone and open your mouth less as you pronounce words.
- Mumbling changes both word formation and the manner in which your voice carries.
- When you mumbleyou keep your mouth more closed than usual. Certain sounds are pronounced while the mouth is only slightly openedand those will not be affected much. On the other handsounds that naturally require you to open your mouth significantly more will be greatly altered.
- Consider the difference in sound when saying something as simple as “oh.” Firstsay “oh” while opening your mouth wide open. Thenrepeat the “oh” syllable while keeping your lips just barely parted. If you listen carefullyyou should notice the difference in sound.
- Mumbling also causes you to speak softer. Clearmiddle sounds may come through well enough when you speak softlybut softer sounds and end sounds tend to be obscured.
- Consider the difference in sound when repeating a simple phrase like “got it.” Repeat the phrase forcefully in your normal tone. You will likely be able to pick up on the ending “t” soundseven if the “t” at the end of “got” blends into the next word. Thentry repeating the phrase weakly in a quiet tone. The two vowel sounds will likely be audiblebut the “t” sounds should have weakened significantly.
5
Speak in monotone. Most people naturally speak with some degree of emotionexplains Anime Voice Actor Daman Mills.^{[1]
X
Expert Source

Daman Mills
Anime Voice Actor

Expert Interview} Focus on maintaining a flatconsistent tone of voice as you speak. The less emotion you use while speakingthe more different your voice will sound.
- The easiest way to notice the difference is by asking a question in monotone. When asking a questionthe vast majority of people will end with a higher intonation. The same question can sound much different when spoken in a flat voicewithout that final shift in tone.
- Alternativelyif people tend to say that you have a flat voicepractice speaking with more enthusiasm or emotion. Think carefully about what you say and change your intonation as you speak accordingly. A good way to practice is with a simple phrase like “Yeah.” When someone says “yeah” in a hurt waythere should be a downward shift in intonation. On the other handan enthusiastic “yeah” will have a strong tone with a somewhat high pitch from start to finish.
6
Practice a new accent. Mills advises picking an accent that fascinates you and study the way that it varies from your own way of speaking.^{[2]
X
Expert Source

Daman Mills
Anime Voice Actor

Expert Interview} Each accent is a little differentso you will need to thoroughly familiarize yourself with the quirks of each individual accent before you can speak in that accent convincingly.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- Non-rhoticity is a common feature of several accentsincluding the Boston accent and many British accents. Non-rhoticity refers to the practice of dropping the final "r" sound from a word. For example"later" would sound like "lata" or "butter" would sound like "butta."
- The "broad A" is another common feature of many accentsincluding many British accentsBoston accentsand accents found in English-speaking countries in the Southern Hemisphereincluding New ZealandAustraliaand South Africa. This practice involves lengthening the short "a" sound.
Use simple tricks for vocal improvement. "I've never liked hearing recordings of my own voice. After reading this articleI tried little things like smiling or frowning as I spoke to change my tone. It felt funny at firstbut I had a blast making faces while talking! My voice now has a brighterpeppier vibe that makes me way more pumped to speak up." - Kevin W.

Become an amateur voice actor. "I decided to tap into my dramatic side with this guide. Mimicking accents and recording myself was a blasteven when I sounded totally goofy. Trying on different dialects helped me control my vocal pitch and projection better. My new party trick is nailing impressions of celebs with unique speech patterns." - Roslyn B.

Rediscover your inner child's voice. "Over timemy voice lost the highsweet pitch I had as a kid. Rereading this articleI attempted tricks like smiling while I talk to alter the actual sounds. I also listened back to recordings of my younger self to compare and practice matching that tone. It took some effortbut I regained a more youthfulmelodic quality." - Abigail C.

Steadily build vocal confidence. "I used to get super nervous speaking up in groups. Looking back at this guide's tips on breath support and projection has boosted my confidence. Doing regular voice exercises expanded my range. NowI happily volunteer for presentations at workknowing my voice comes across as clear and assured." - George N.

Did you know that wikiHow has collected over 365,000 reader stories since it started in 2005? We’d love to hear from you! Share your story here.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Using Technology to Change Your Voice

Download Article

1
Find an app on your smart phone. Downloadable voice changer apps allow you to record your voice into your cellphone and play the words back using a filter that alters the sound of your voice. There are many different apps available. Some cost moneybut others are free.
- Check for apps through the Apple App Store iPhoneWindows Marketplace if you have a Windows phoneor Google Play if you have an Android.
Search for downloadable text-to-speech freeware or software online. Once installedtype your words into the software text box and press the "Play" option to play your written words back using audio.
3
Use a novelty voice changer. Voice changing devices can be difficult to locate in storesbut you can easily find a novelty device for purchase online.
- A standard novelty voice changer ranges in price from $25 to $50.
- Each device works differentlyso you should check out the specifications to know what you are getting. Most grant you the ability to change the pitch of your voice in different waysand many novelty devices are portable.
- Some devices require you to pre-record your messagebut others can be used to adjust your voice as you speaktransmitting the altered through a cell phone or other speaker.
- Carefully read the instructions that come with your novelty voice changer to learn how to use it properly.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Changing the Way You Talk

Download Article

1
Figure out what you sound like. If you want to change your voice to make it sound either higher or deeperMills advises starting by recording yourself so you'll know what approach to takeadvises Mills.^{[4]
X
Expert Source

Daman Mills
Anime Voice Actor

Expert Interview} Use a recording device to capture the sound of your voice talking quietlytalking loudlyand singing. How would you describe the sound of your voice? What would you like to change?
- Does your voice sound nasally or gravelly?
- Is it easy or difficult to understand what you're saying?
- Is your voice breathy or clear?
2
Stop talking through your nose. Many people have a voice that can be described as "nasally." A nasally voice tends to sound unnaturally higher than it shouldbecause it doesn't have a chance to resonate properly to produce a deeper tone. This type of voice can sound grating to others as well as being difficult to understand. Make the following changes to eliminate that nasally sound:
- Make sure your breathing passages are clear. If you tend to have allergies or your nose is often clogged for other reasonsyour voice is going to be stunted and nasally. Clear up your allergiesdrink plenty of water and try to keep your sinuses clear.
- Practice opening your mouth wider when you speak. Drop your jaw and enunciate your words lower in your mouthrather than producing them in your soft palate.
3
Don't speak from the back of your throat. In order to correct a high voicemany people speak from the back of their throat to produce a falsely deep tone. It's hard to get the proper amount of volume when you're straining to speak from the back of your throatso doing this produces a muffleddifficult-to-interpret voice. In additionspeaking from the back of your throat in an attempt to sound as though your voice is deeper than it really is puts strain on your vocal cords and can cause a sore throat and voice loss over time.^{[5]
X
Trustworthy Source

Johns Hopkins Medicine
Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital

Go to source}
- Try doing breathing exercises and exercises that will open up your voice. That can help you use more of the full range of your voice.^{[6]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted CoopersmithMBA
  Academic Tutor
  
  Expert Interview}
4
Speak through your "mask". In order to make your voice sound deeper and more fullit's necessary to speak through your "mask," which is the area comprised of both your lips and nose. Using your entire mask to speak gives your voice the best chance of sounding a bit lower and richer.
- To determine whether you're speaking through your masktouch your lips and nose as you speak. They should vibrate if you're utilizing the entire area.^{[7]
  X
  Research source} If they don't vibrate at firstexperiment with different sounds until you find a way of speaking that worksthen practice speaking that way all the time.
5
Project from your diaphragm. Breathing deeply and projecting from your diaphragm is key to having a fullrichstrong voice. When you're breathing deeplyyour stomach should move in and out with each breathrather than your chest rising and falling. Practice projecting from your diaphragm by pulling your stomach in to exhale as you speak. You'll notice that your voice rings out loud and clear when you breathe this way. Doing breathing exercises in which you focus on deep breathing will help you remember to project from your diaphragm.^{[8]
X
Trustworthy Source

Harvard Business Review
Online and print journal covering topics related to business management practices

Go to source}
- Exhalepushing all the air from your lungs. Once your air runs outyour lungs will automatically begin to inhale deeply in an attempt to satisfy your need for air. Pay close attention to how your lungs feel when you take a deep breath.
- Inhale comfortably and hold your breath for 15 seconds before exhaling. Gradually increase the amount of time you hold your breath to 20 seconds30 seconds45 secondsand 1 minute. This exercise strengthens your diaphragm.
- Laugh heartilypurposefully making a "ha ha ha" sound. Expel all the air from your lungs with your laughthen inhale deeply and quickly.
- Lie on your back and place a book or solid object on your diaphragm. Relax as much of your body as possible. Pay close attention to the movement of your diaphragmnoting how the book rises and falls as you breathe. Flatten your stomach as much as possible when you exhaleand repeat until you automatically expand and contract your waist with each breath.
- Inhale deeply while standing. Exhalecounting aloud from one to five with a single breath. Repeat the exercise until you are able to comfortably count from 1 to 10 on one exhale.
- When you get the hang of speaking this wayyou should be able to project so that your voice can be heard by people on the other side of the room without causing you to become hoarse.
6
Change your pitch. The human voice is capable of producing sound in a range of pitches. Speak in a pitch higher or a pitch lower to temporarily change your voice.
- Pitch is altered in large part by the laryngeal cartilage. This is the movable piece of cartilage that rises and falls in your throat as you sing a scale: dohremifasollahtidoh.^{[9]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  
  Go to source}
- Raising the laryngeal cartilage raises your pitch and creates a more feminine sound. Dropping the laryngeal cartilage drops your pitch and creates a more masculine sound.
- To speak in a lower voicedo exercises to relax your throatlike yawning or opening your mouth really wide from top to bottom. When you open your mouthyou'll notice that your voice is much more roundedresonantand deep.^{[10]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted CoopersmithMBA
  Academic Tutor
  
  Expert Interview}

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Bringing Out the Best in Your Voice

Download Article

1
Take care of your vocal cords. Your vocal cordslike your skinneed to be protected so they don't age prematurely. If you're hard on your vocal cordsyour voice could end up sounding gravellywhisperyor otherwise unpleasant long before its dueconfirms Mills.^{[11]
X
Expert Source

Daman Mills
Anime Voice Actor

Expert Interview} To protect your vocal cordstake the following measures:
- Don't smoke. Smoking cigarettes has a very pronounced effect on the voicecausing it to lose volume and range over time. If you want your voice to stay clear and strongit's best to quit.^{[12]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  
  HelpGuide
  Nonprofit organization dedicated to providing freeevidence-based mental health and wellness resources.
  
  Go to source}
- Cut back on drinking. High alcohol intake can also cause your voice to age prematurely.
- Try to breathe clean air. If you live in a polluted areaload your house with plants to clean the airand try to get away from the city to breathe fresh air as often as possible.
- Don't scream too much. If you're a huge fan of hardcore music or you just enjoy screaming sometimesbe aware that using your voice in this way can strain it. Plenty of singers have experienced laryngitis and other vocal maladies from overusing their vocal cords.
2
Examine your stress level. When we experience stress or surprisethe muscles surrounding the larynx contract and cause a high-pitched voice to emerge. If you're constantly nervousanxious and stressed outthis higher pitch might be your everyday voice. Take measures to calm yourself down so that your steadyfull voice is able to emerge.
- Try taking a few deep breaths before you speak. In addition to calming you downthis will gear you up to project from your diaphragmimproving the sound of your voice.
- Take 10 seconds to think before you react. When you allow yourself time to gather your thoughts before reacting in nervousness or surpriseyou have greater control over your voice. Thinktake a swallowthen speak - you'll find that your voice comes out more steady and relaxed.^{[13]
  X
  Research source}
3
Practice singing. Singing alongside instrumental or vocal accompaniment is a good way to increase your pitch range and keep your vocal cords in good shape. Similarlyyou could practice singing along to songs that are outside of your usual vocal range. Each time you sing alongmatch the notes and pitch of the original singer as closely as possible without straining your voice.^{[14]
X
Research source}
- With piano accompanimentbegin singing a scale: dohremifasollahtidoh. Start at the most comfortablenatural pitch possible.
- Repeat the scaleincreasing your starting pitch by one note each time until your voice begins straining. Once your voice begins to strainstop.
- Repeat the scale againdecreasing your starting pitch by one note each time and stopping once your voice begins to strain.
- Keep your throat relaxed to make it easier to create lower tones.^{[15]
  X
  Expert Source
  
  Ted CoopersmithMBA
  Academic Tutor
  
  Expert Interview}

How Do You Develop a Deeper Voice?

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

Is it possible to change my voice?

Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coachfocusing on public speakingvocal poweraccent and dialectsaccent reductionvoiceoveracting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope CruzEva Longoriaand Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGEis the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Moviesand is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.

Patrick Muñoz

Voice & Speech Coach

Expert Answer

Absolutely. Many people don't use the full range of your voice. If you breathe and do exercises to open your voiceyou'll be able to find the rangefrom the highest to the lowest pitches you can produce. Thenyou can practice using those pitches to grow your voice.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped youplease consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resourcesand even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 19 Helpful 50
Question

How do I make my voice higher?

Community Answer

Gradually practice going higher and higher as you speak or sing. Eventuallyyou will be able to reach a higher register.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped youplease consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resourcesand even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 29 Helpful 132
Question

What do I do if I speak quickly through my nose and sometimes it is difficult for others to understand?

Community Answer

Hold your nose next time you speak. It will require you to speak out of your mouth. The more you do itthe clearer and more intelligible your voice will become.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped youplease consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resourcesand even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 49 Helpful 116