In a recent interview conducted with Chloë Sevigny for Variety’s Actors on Actors, reality TV star Kim Kardashian opened up about something most of us can relate to: disliking the sound of our voice.
“I find my voice so distinct and annoying,”
Kim admitted candidly. Sevigny, known for her role in Murphy’s Feud: Capote vs. The Swans, responded empathetically,
“Don’t we all find our voices annoying?”
Kim Kardashian’s self-awareness, however, is hardly random: it provides a unique glimpse into the rare sorts of pressure that she is under as a reality television star. Her voice is a branding asset, whereas, with Hollywood actresses, a speaking voice might not be considered a part of their brand. Her voice is unmistakable after over ten years in the public eye and has become part of the texture of her very celebrity. Every word that comes out of her mouth is analyzed and, more often than not copied, by millions.
For Kim, her voice isn’t just a personal quirk—it’s a professional asset. That distinctive quality, which she finds so annoying in recordings, has helped create an identity in the world. From the dreaded “vocal fry” to that faint lisp, there’s a lot about Kim’s voice that is unlike other celebrity voices. But recognizability brings its unique kind of pressure. It’s not just about visibility but somehow seems to be about being able to hear—and dare one say—appreciated.
Kim’s finding will surely be one that many of us find oddly familiar. It taps into a rather universal experience: the unsettling feeling of listening to your own recorded voice. But why do we find our voices so off-putting?
The science here is pretty simple. When we talk, we listen to our voice through two methods: one is air conduction and another is bone conduction. Bone conduction represents lower frequencies, which makes that resonance significant and complete in our ears. But the recording captures only the air-conducted sound, whose frequency could be higher therefore one may feel a bit raw. So this can be quite a contrast.
We chatted with voice coach Emma Lucas, who had some eye-openers.
‘It’s normal for you not to like your recorded voice; most people don’t because it sounds different from what they’re used to hearing. The trick is to get over it by practicing and getting used to it.'”
Audiologist Mr Jay Patel added,
“Our voice is integral to our identity—it’s tough to be okay with an external version of something so internal.”
While Kim might find her voice annoying, history shows that distinctive voices can become iconic. Think about Kristen Bell‘s charming narration or Morgan Freeman‘s authoritative tone—both have voices that are instantly recognizable and deeply beloved.
Showing an original voice can be such a strong move. It’s part of what makes someone memorable. For Kim Kardashian, her voice isn’t just part of her brand; it’s an asset that has contributed to her immense success.
So what can Kim—and the rest of us—do to embrace our distinctive voices? Emma says,
“Focus on the positive aspects of your voice. Record yourself speaking positively or reading something you enjoy. Over time, you’ll see your voice as part of your charm.”
