Why You Hate the Sound of Your Own Voice: And Why You’re Wrong

“I don’t like the sound of my voice” is the most often phrase I hear when recording. And yet I have yet to hear a horrible voice. Except my own voice. I sound horrible!

Because let me tell you a secret: everyone thinks their own voice sounds odd.

Here’s the thing: you don’t actually hear your own voice the way the rest of the world does. When you speak or sing, your voice travels through the air like everyone else’s, but you’re also hearing it from inside your own head. Literal bone vibrations. It’s like a surround-sound, in-the-skull experience. You hear extra bass, richer tones, and full-body vibrations.

So when you hear your recorded voice played back? It sounds different. Alien. Strange.  But that doesn’t mean it’s bad. It’s just… not what you thought you sounded like.

Now here’s the good news: I’ve recorded hundreds of voices over the years, and I can honestly say I’ve never heard a truly horrible one.

What makes a voice great?

• A distinctive voice is gold.
• If you mean what you say or sing, people will hear it. If you fake it? Oh, they’ll hear that too.
• Love the process.

So if you’re nervous about recording because you “hate your voice”—don’t be. You’ve got a voice, and it’s yours, and that makes it unique. My job is to make it sound fantastic (and yes, I absolutely can). All you have to do is bring your words, your energy, and maybe a biscuit or two for the long takes.

By the time we’re done, you might just fall in love with the sound of your own voice.

Well… everyone does.

Accept me.

I hate the sound of my own voice!