I hate the sound of my own voice!

35 replies
I'm working on a video tutorial series that I will be launching as a WSO hopefully soon...honestly it should have been done by now but I keep doing a video, redoing it over and over again simply because I can't stand the sound of my own voice...I'm native english so it's not an issue with an accent - I just hate hearing my voice!

This concerns me because it keeps delaying my launch date....anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?
#hate #sound #voice
  • Profile picture of the author discrat
    Originally Posted by ChantalVanderlaan View Post

    I'm working on a video tutorial series that I will be launching as a WSO hopefully soon...honestly it should have been done by now but I keep doing a video, redoing it over and over again simply because I can't stand the sound of my own voice...I'm native english so it's not an issue with an accent - I just hate hearing my voice!

    This concerns me because it keeps delaying my launch date....anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?
    Yep, I do not like to hear my voice either. But you need to just put it in the back of your Mind.

    It is just silliness and you do not need to let that keep you from moving forward . Just be glad you do not OCD with the way you look on video


    - Robert Andrew
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      • Profile picture of the author bluejeans
        It may help you to remember that nearly everyone finds the sound of their own voice odd. So, just focus on being personable with energy and clear diction and you should do great!
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      • Profile picture of the author mrmax
        Originally Posted by ChantalVanderlaan View Post

        I agree - it is just silliness....it just bugs me so much...LOL
        everyone doesn't like the sound of their own voice, when I leave a voice mail for someone I re-do it literally 7-8 times because I hate how my voice sounds on recordings.
        But I realize its only in our minds, not in other peoples minds. hth
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        • Profile picture of the author ncmedia
          Something I struggled with at first, doing tutorials for YEARS now in my niche (and VO's/sing/rap/film/etc..), and it's simply something you get over naturally.

          Something I've always kept in mind: "You're just some guy, nobody really knows, just smile and be nice".

          Now I get comments under my videos like "Wow thanks for the response I feel like a celebrity is talking to me " etc. and it validates the journey and turns fear into something to laugh at - and take advantage of (i.e. sometimes I now go overboard on purpose to laugh at myself and it humbles the audience/puts them at ease).

          Cliche as it sounds (pun) "just be yourself".

          It happens to vocal artists/rappers/voiceover artists etc a lot too - 'finding your voice' so to speak. When you do your recordings, picture an audience in front of you already like you're on a stage speaking or in a room one on one - make it dumb proof, make it funny, don't be monotone, don't overpresent, just literally be your charismatic self and you'll draw ppl to want to watch/listen to YOU just as much as ride their curriculum details with a good host that teaches them without them feeling like they are in a boring grade 11 math class.

          Personal tip: Always drink a tea or two before/while recording.

          .02.
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  • Profile picture of the author NRabosa
    Can you try to illustrate this without narration? Like a whiteboard presentation? You may speak just key phrases and let the visuals talk for you;

    or

    You can have it modulated with your video editing software.. tweak here and there.
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  • Profile picture of the author jasculs
    Your deliver is more important than your voice...if you have good compelling delivery and your content is solid then people never even notice your voice or they don't even care.
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  • Profile picture of the author Janice Sperry
    In most cases we do not actually hear our own voice the same way others do.

    As long as the listener can clearly hear and understand you there should not be a problem. Some people even respond better to a voice that sounds less "professional" since it may convey more sincerity and honesty. Launch the product and if you start getting negative feedback you can always use some of the profits to hire someone to do a voice-over.

    You might also consider offering some free review copies for the specific reason of getting feedback about your voice before you launch.
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  • Profile picture of the author Rory Singh
    Originally Posted by ChantalVanderlaan View Post

    ....anyone else have this problem? Any suggestions?
    We are our own worst 'critics'.

    I think you will do just fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author kk075
    Honestly, I can't stand how I sound recorded....yet everyone always tells me that I have a great announcer's voice and i should be on radio. So I think it's a perception issue as much as anything. If it really bothers you though, then find a friend who has a great voice and let them do voice-overs for your videos. Problem solved.

    One other thing I had to add though; as a guy, I've always thought women with accents were super sexy...and I know I'm not the only one. So instead of feeling bad about sounding different from the average American, you should probably embrace it. Just speak a little bit slower than usual, make sure you fully pronounce your words, and guys like me will love every minute of it.

    PS- I'm happily married and fiercely loyal, so I'm not trying to hit on you or anything like that. But you needed to hear that advice from somewhere...so there ya go. I hope it helps!
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    • Originally Posted by kk075 View Post

      Honestly, I can't stand how I sound recorded....yet everyone always tells me that I have a great announcer's voice and i should be on radio. So I think it's a perception issue as much as anything. If it really bothers you though, then find a friend who has a great voice and let them do voice-overs for your videos. Problem solved.

      One other thing I had to add though; as a guy, I've always thought women with accents were super sexy...and I know I'm not the only one. So instead of feeling bad about sounding different from the average American, you should probably embrace it. Just speak a little bit slower than usual, make sure you fully pronounce your words, and guys like me will love every minute of it.

      PS- I'm happily married and fiercely loyal, so I'm not trying to hit on you or anything like that. But you needed to hear that advice from somewhere...so there ya go. I hope it helps!
      That was very funny and I appreciate the confidence boost...however, I don't have an accent - I am english...from Canada eh
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      • Profile picture of the author kk075
        Originally Posted by ChantalVanderlaan View Post

        That was very funny and I appreciate the confidence boost...however, I don't have an accent - I am english...from Canada eh
        Hey, that's an accent to me and to most Americans, which means...

        Sorry, my wife walked into the room...I can't tell you what that means. =)
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  • Profile picture of the author spearce000
    It doesn't matter whether you like the sound of your own voice or not. If your customers like it, it's fine.
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  • Profile picture of the author Beatinest
    You can process your audio to make yourself sound 'better'. Use audacity (free) or adobe audition (paid)...both might do the trick. You might just need a tweak to make you not sound like you...to you so you can go ahead and launch your course.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jack Hunter
    I can recommend MorphVox Pro by Screaming Bee. It will solve your problem with minimal hassle.
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  • Profile picture of the author FreedomBlogger
    I think that happens to all of us at the beginning.

    I was just like that when I first started recording videos online. I even have an accent, because English is not my first language!

    So, yeah, I hated how I sounded so much at the beginning. Today, I record videos like crazy. I just got over it.

    One thing that helped over come this, is the encouragement of people once I started sharing my videos online. They are the ones who made me feel good about my voice and accent. The people online are the ones who encouraged me to be okay with it and just focus on making the video the best possible.

    My advice would be to record short videos on youtube or facebook, and show them to people. Get their feedback, and get encouraged by it.

    Record short valuable videos that people really want to watch. Ask for feedback, and get motivated from the positive energy.

    You are most likely the only one who "hates" your voice! lol .. just think about that ...

    It's all in your head. You sound fine. Your voice sounds great!

    I hope this helps!

    I wish you the best!

    Cheers!
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  • Profile picture of the author Lightlysalted
    I really wouldn't worry. Most people hate the sound of their own voice BUT just treat it as an objective task. You'll probably find that others will love the sound of your voice. Just go for it! All the best I bet it will be great
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  • Profile picture of the author Easy eBay
    Haha,

    Don't worry about it. I have recorded numerous videos for eBay products... However I have a different problem.

    My natural accent is pretty hard to understand so I have to speak really clear and think carefully about the right words to say.

    It has never been a problem even though I sometimes revert a little to my actual accent when I get into it.

    I often get great messages from people saying my tutorials were perfect an very easy to understand.

    So... I think as long as the content you are delivrring is good and you make it easy to understand... People will be grateful of your effort.

    The only thing what really gets me is... It always feels like I'm talking to an answering machine when recording tutorials. It just feels a little unnatural.

    Just get it done and release it... Good luck with your launch.
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  • Profile picture of the author kullshaan
    do not think like that at all, you never know who like your voice, just keep positive, might be people like it and remember it much then others, so my suggestion just go for it, do not be scared, nothing you can make 100%, it is universe which make you stand out, so just think positive that it
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  • Profile picture of the author superowid
    Well... at least you can speak native English... while I have to use the TTS (text-to-speech) software because I'm not native. And still I can persuade people to buy from me... since that's what most important to me.
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    • Profile picture of the author slammer81
      Don't worry - to others your voice is probably beautiful.

      It's a neurological thing - hearing your voice as you speak collides with the perception of it recorded. Your brain freaks out on it so that's the reason.

      Don't stress it - nobody hates their voice more than me!
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  • Profile picture of the author Knightsofusa
    I hate the sound of my voice as well! I'm not a native English speaker so I have this slightly accent plus I'm a monotone which make me sound boring.
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  • Profile picture of the author dotgirish
    Since it is delaying your WSO , i would suggest you to go and get some assistance on voice over, it won't cost too much on fiverr etc.. But if you start doing it , you will never be able to do your own voice over .. So parallel to your launch , create short videos with your own voice over on youtube and FB and get over that issue
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  • Profile picture of the author Valuable Solos
    Your voice is probably ok, but you could hire someone off of oDesk or ask a relative/friend to read a script for you if you don't like your voice (I don't like mine!).
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  • Profile picture of the author MuhamadEdisonA
    Hei,

    I have same problem with you. My guru told me to hire someone making voice for you. You can hire people voicer in fiver like that. This is the best way and the good way to make mamazing WSO. Video is very important in here, by someone voicer you can increase your WSO sales..
    It's really god idea...

    -Muhamad Edison A
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  • Profile picture of the author jamescanz
    Originally Posted by ChantalVanderlaan View Post

    I just hate hearing my voice!
    This is something you eventually just overcome.

    How we sound on camera, how we look on camera, I was once the same.

    Confidence plays a big part in changing things around
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  • It's a normal thing, when you just start recording videos.. trust me..

    Just have the courage, and willpower to...

    Trust that it's good, and go with it

    (Trust me, if anyone criticized me as my as I do myself, they would not be my friend for long)

    Trust.
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  • Profile picture of the author bospa
    Try Goldwave (goldwave.com). A free audio editor with too many functions help editing your audio as you want.
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  • Profile picture of the author nicolasmd2112
    I'm in the same boat. I want to launch my own video WSO too but I'm always halted by the idea of hearing my own voice. I feel as no matter how I speak, how deep I make my voice, I still don't sound like a professional. Not going to lie, my voice is completely different when listening to it through a digital medium (audio/video) and it bugs me. I'll have to get over it eventually though!
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  • Profile picture of the author andorod77
    It's probably just in your head and really what people will be focusing on is what you have to offer. If you give great insightful information then be sure they will be responsive
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  • Profile picture of the author Slade556
    I don't think I've ever met anyone who truly likes to hear the sound of their own voice! Myself, I can't say I hate it, I just find it so darn weird! But the truth is, it's the message of the video that's important, not the sound of the person's voice!
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  • Profile picture of the author Claire Koch
    I used to hate mine then i partnered with someone and she said it doesnt have to be perfect. So i made some videos. really the more you do it the better you get. just go for it your voice is fine everyone else likes it i promise. lol
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    • Profile picture of the author heavysm
      It's funny...I'm in the same situation and i did about a dozen videos with my voice and let a few friends judge the quality. They all said it sounded 100% fine, perhaps even enthusiastic and genuine, though to me i thought i sounded dry and unexciting.

      I redo my videos about 6 - 8 times sometimes just because I don't like how i say certain lines or i accidentally pause unnecessarily. That's just the name of the game though. The end result should justify the annoyance for now. It's not a big deal, really.

      And just think...you might not enjoy the sound of your voice, but undoubtedly your recordings will get better over time just from experience of doing the recordings over and over

      As a side note, I know authors who never think any of their writings are good. But their friends and peers review the stuff you get the feeling that the author must be joking about their lack of ability. The stuff is great, yet they can't see that due to personal bias.

      Same goes for cooking, public speaking etc
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    • Profile picture of the author lexenz
      microphones can make a huge difference from courses I've taken
      there is a guy teaching Udemy courses who has a very pleasant sounding voice

      his secret for a velvety sounding voice? he uses an IRIG HD directional microphone.
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      • Profile picture of the author jessiem
        Originally Posted by lexenz View Post

        microphones can make a huge difference from courses I've taken
        there is a guy teaching Udemy courses who has a very pleasant sounding voice

        his secret for a velvety sounding voice? he uses an IRIG HD directional microphone.
        I absolutely agree on this. Microphones do change our voice, at least the way we hear its output is different than the usual voice we have without a decent mic. If you really wanted to make a video out from your own voice then go ahead and buy those expensive mics, I'm sure people will like your video (and even you).
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  • Profile picture of the author MarkAse
    I started filming small scale wine intro videos for my site. Generally speaking, did not think they were good or interesting. About a month ago, had a professional paid wine writer tell me she thought they were really good out of the blue. I think we're often our own worst critic-
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    My current project, the Uncorked Ventures Wine Club. More coming soon, here.

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