Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
DURHAM, N.C. -- Women exhibiting a low-pitched, creaky voice known as "vocal fry" are considered less competent, educated, trustworthy, attractive and hirable, according to research from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business.
Can't say I am at all surprised. If I hear a girl talk like that, "bimbo" is the first thing that pops in my head. Of course I understand it can vary by region but there are quite a few where I live and I wouldn't hire them either.
Last edited by 7G9C4J2; 06-01-2014 at 05:47 PM..
Reason: Copyright: Do not quote more than a snippet of a copyrighted article
Not surprised either. It's annoying. The new valley girl sound. I don't know why so many young women are mimicking this sound, other than they're watching the Kardashian's and think it will make them more attractive.
Sunday Morning on CBS had a segment about this a few weeks back. For those who don't know what vocal fry is, do a search on youtube for "Vocal fry" speaking with Faith Salie.
And they usually work in office jobs, because while their voice sounds horrible, they're typically great eye candy for their male bosses to admire. In fact, it may even be sexy to them (see dumb blonde stereotype).
And they usually work in office jobs, because while their voice sounds horrible, they're typically great eye candy for their male bosses to admire. In fact, it may even be sexy to them (see dumb blonde stereotype).
Exactly these two interns were both blonde, and the President of the company, had their cubicles directly in-front of his office. (Makes for some nice eye candy). I don't mind honestly I would hire attractive women at my company.
Had to YouTube it. Never knew it had a name, I just called it "stupid idiot".
Definitely not making it past the phone interview.
Yeah, I had to look it up, too. I've never heard a Kardashian speak, but I would have to question the good sense of anyone who tried to model him- or herself after anything some talentless reality-TV star does.
I think this is just one of many speech tics that would put an interviewee in a negative light, though. A vocabulary full of "likes" and "uhhs" and "y'knows" would be a big strike against somebody, too. So would ending every sentence with a vocal upturn, as if every comment you make is a question, because it makes you sound unsure of anything you say, or that you constantly need validation and affirmation. So would certain thick ethnic or cultural accents -- think ebonics or redneck-talk. Ethnicity or culture shouldn't be held against anyone, of course, but sounding like an educated fool will always handicap you, no matter what you look like.
Yeah, I had to look it up, too. I've never heard a Kardashian speak, but I would have to question the good sense of anyone who tried to model him- or herself after anything some talentless reality-TV star does.
I think this is just one of many speech tics that would put an interviewee in a negative light, though. A vocabulary full of "likes" and "uhhs" and "y'knows" would be a big strike against somebody, too. So would ending every sentence with a vocal upturn, as if every comment you make is a question, because it makes you sound unsure of anything you say, or that you constantly need validation and affirmation. So would certain thick ethnic or cultural accents -- think ebonics or redneck-talk. Ethnicity or culture shouldn't be held against anyone, of course, but sounding like an educated fool will always handicap you, no matter what you look like.
I feel like my voice and manner of speaking are a big reason why I always had such trouble with passing interviews. My problem is the opposite - I have a very childish high-pitched voice that gets even more high-pitched when I'm anxious (I've been asked by telemarketers "is your mommy or daddy home", at 30). I also tend to stammer and falter and go 'uhh' and 'umm' a lot when I get nervous, and I always get nervous when speaking with anyone in a position of authority. Plus I tend to start speaking really fast too without enunciating well, and people often can't understand what I'm saying. I never sound confident in my tone of voice, making it sound like I'm lying even when I'm telling the honest truth.
I don't know how to fix all these things, I've had it since childhood. I've gotten so many interviews for positions I was perfectly qualified for, but never passed them, and I expect this was a big reason.
Frankly, I'm more irritated by VOWEL SHIFT, but yes: Vocal Fry would mean you would not become my Personal Assistant/Personal Trainer/Leasing Agent/Building Manager/Salesperson for whom I ask when I enter a store. And you would not be admitted to the 'development pipeline' leading to associate or executive status. Frankly, you would not become my ANYTHING. I wouldn't even want you in my house, if you were with the Caterer.
If someone working for me hired you because you are "eye candy", then that person (women hire women as eye candy, too, ya know...), would be terminated, and you'd be headed out the door with them. That 'vocal style' says "Spoiled Little Itch", "Daddy's Princess/Mommy's Toxic Mini-me", "Former Cheerleader" and "TROUBLE".
Moderator cut: off-topic
Last edited by 7G9C4J2; 06-01-2014 at 05:50 PM..
Reason: Removed off-topic portion
One of the worst offenders featured in the CBS Sunday Morning piece on this subject was (now former) New York Times Editor Jill Abramson, and somehow she was able to succeed despite this quirk.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
