“Maybe the voice is the root of vulnerability for a human, and we just don’t really realize it.” – Kevin Whitmire
On this episode of Speaking Of… I’m chatting with my friend Kevin Whitmire, an actor and teaching artist based in LA.
Kevin and I start off by talking about performance and how he changes his voice for each role. We then dive into his question: what makes a voice masculine or feminine?
What follows is a fascinating conversation about what constitutes our most “real” voice and how speech and acting coaches can reinforce stereotypes about how certain groups of people do – or should – speak.
We also talk about having a “gay” voice, feeling uncomfortable when you hear yourself on a recording, and the vulnerability of speaking aloud.
Interview Highlights:
What makes a voice more masculine, feminine, or androgynous?
How speech trainers can encourage people to speak in a way that prescribes or reinforces stereotypes about voice/speech.
How societal biases about how men and women are supposed to speak can affect our self-perception.
Why it can feel so vulnerable to speak aloud.
The difference between speaking in a relaxed way with friends versus a more calculated, patient approach to speaking.
Featured on the Show:
Kevin Whitmire | Karen Beaches on Instagram
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