Voice Analysis in Profiling

In profiling, much attention is given to gestures and facial expressions as the foundations of nonverbal behavior. However, the auditory modality of nonverbal communication—namely, the voice—often receives far less discussion. Yet, the voice is also a product of muscle group movements, a means of expressing feelings, and a reflection of emotions. Importantly, it is largely beyond the speaker’s conscious control.

Why is voice analysis so rarely discussed? In my view, there are several reasons:

• The voice is a complex, little-studied phenomenon. In many ways, it defies explanation, measurement, and experimental proof regarding its connection to emotions and character. For example, the quality of timbre is linked to the most subtle aspects of a person’s inner world.
• Voice not only reveals information but also affects the listener’s emotions. This makes analysis more difficult, as it requires training your ear to deliberately limit this influence—a skill few are eager to develop.
• Most people prefer “information fast food.” As a result, they tend to avoid this topic altogether.

Nevertheless, scientists and artists have managed to identify and classify certain aspects of the voice. By mastering this knowledge, your ability to read people can improve significantly.

Key Voice Characteristics in Profiling

Humans are biological, psychological, and social beings all at once. Each of these components is reflected in the sound of our speech and its various characteristics. The most comprehensive framework for describing vocal features was proposed by German researcher Fermen:

Natural Qualities

1. Pitch (vocal register)
2. Loudness (volume)
3. Resonance (fullness of sound)
4. Timbre (color or quality of sound)

Process Characteristics

• Speech tempo (speed)
• Rhythmic-melodic structure (intonation)
• Accentuation (emphasis)
• Articulation (clarity of sound)

Formal (Accessory) Qualities

• Speech style (overall character of sound)
• Semantic form (sentence structure, word choice, scope of text, “authenticity”)

Auxiliary Features

• General characteristics of speech content
• First impression of the speaker
• Facial expressions, gestures, and mannerisms
• Overall impression of the voice and speech

Semantic form is also considered, since it’s impossible to draw a clear line between sound phenomena and meaning-making. Interestingly, Fermen classified gestures and facial expressions as auxiliary features.

Practical Observation

For now, try observing voices in your everyday interactions. For example, pay attention to the voices of your loved ones. What are their consistent qualities? When and how do they change? How do they affect you?