We each have a unique voice, and we should use it any way we want. However, it’s essential to know enough about our instrument to make a conscious decision about how we use it. One trend in vocal styles is the vocal fry, which has been controversial throughout the years. Many people argue that it harms our vocal cords, and if not, it can impact our professional reputation and how others perceive us.
Firstly, it’s important to note that there is nothing inherently damaging about speaking in the fry; however, how we use our voices can influence people’s opinions about us. Unfortunately, the playing field isn’t level, and men in the fry are often perceived as “kind,” while women in the fry are often perceived as “less competent.”
There are three main reasons why people use the fry or slip into it when speaking up:
- We hear it around us, and we’re strongly influenced by trends whether we like them or not.
- Speaking in the fry takes less physical energy; most of us slip into it when tired or have less energy invested in the conversation.
- Many people use the fry not to appear to be “too much.”
The vocal fry uses less air and less effort to produce sound. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with using the fry, it’s crucial to understand that your vocal instrument is top-of-the-line – like a Porsche. The vocal fry is equivalent to pushing it around, using very little gas, and getting very little performance. Learn how you can use your speaking voice as your greatest communication tool.
Additionally, when we’re in the fry, it’s challenging to project our voice, even when using a microphone. The fry uses little air and carries very poorly in a room because our voices are acoustic instruments, and the more air we use, the louder we can be. When we can project, a fry tends to get rather unpleasant sounding. There is no vocal variation in a fry. You are hanging out in the old-school monotone, and there is little connection to the listeners with that vocal choice.
One of the biggest problems with using the fry is that it carries very poorly on a digital signal, such as phone calls and virtual video. The intermittent silences inherent in how the fry is mechanically expressed are enhanced, making it difficult for others to understand what we’re saying.
The fry can effectively convey a low-energy, casual intention, such as saying, “I’m so glad it’s Friday.” However, it isn’t necessarily effective in a meeting when offering, “The best option for your company is to move forward with option A.”
As professional speakers, our voice is a significant part of the skill set that makes us successful. Understanding that the fry can impact whether we get hired or not is essential. It conveys very little information, and the sound carries poorly. We wouldn’t expect a pro golfer to golf with only one club – it’s not efficient or effective. Similarly, it’s our choice to use our voice to connect and communicate clearly. Learn more about how to use your speaking voice is essential for your team.
Vocal fry isn’t inherently wrong, and we should defend anyone’s right to use their voice any way they want. However, it’s crucial to understand why we use vocal fry and when it’s helpful and when it’s not.
As voice coaches, our mission is to help people understand their instrument fully so they can intentionally use their style shifts to connect, land their message, and show up as they want. Back to the car image, we can always push our voice around if we want, but what about taking it out for a real drive and seeing what it can do?
Voice on!
Hilary Blair is a leadership keynote speaker based out of Denver, CO, and is the co-founder of ARTiculate: Real & Clear. She is also a highly regarded, actor, improviser, facilitator, voice-over artist, and voice expert coach.
Connect with the ARTiculate Team for coaching on vocal fry & ways to use your speaking voice effectively to build influence and move your career.
