A Wonderleaf question
Why do our voices sound different from each other?
a real page from the book
Our voices differ because each body makes and shapes sound in its own way. Air from the lungs sets the vocal folds vibrating, then the throat, mouth, nose, tongue, teeth, and lips color that buzz. Size, shape, and movement together create each person's voice pattern.
A deeper voice often comes from longer, heavier folds vibrating more slowly; a higher voice usually starts with quicker, lighter vibrations. Then the spaces inside the face add overtones, which is why you can recognize someone from another room after just a few words.
Wonder words
- pitch
- timbre
- overtones
- vibration
Try it out
Hum the same note with mouths wide, narrow, and smiling, then listen for how the sound changes.
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