Since the last article I have been reflecting on many of the times I felt most dysphoric, and for me it tended to happen most often when I was using my voice. Prior to becoming a Gender Affirming Voice Coach, I was a public school teacher, so you could imagine how much deadnaming and misgendering I had to endure on a daily basis, especially given that kids really don’t have any sense of a filter. In this article we’re gonna look at how the simple act of smiling can alter the way your voice to sound instantly more feminine. Now, if you haven’t done so already, check out my previous article “Gasp! A Quick Trick to Boost Your Resonance: Part 1” 

Science Behind Smiling for a Feminine Voice, a Brighter Resonance and Higher Pitch

Smiling while speaking really is the unsung hero of trans voice training, its such a simple act that most individuals AMAB do not possess due to societal conditioning. Seriously, watch a man speak, you’ll be amazed by how expressionless it can be. So when you’re speaking, smile, and make sure those lips stay rounded, believe me, it will be much harder to maintain than you thin. Here’s how it works:

Laryngeal Elevation:

Mechanism: Smiling activates the zygomatic major muscles (you don’t need to know that but I feel fancy saying it), which lift the corners of the mouth. These muscles are interconnected with other facial muscles, including those that indirectly elevate the larynx (voice box).

Acoustic Effect: A higher larynx creates a shorter vocal tract, which emphasizes higher frequencies in the voice. This brighter, lighter sound, as you know, is often associated with feminine speech.

2. Resonance Enhancement:

Mechanism: Smiling also changes the shape of the oral cavity (mouth) and pharynx (throat). This alters the resonating chambers of the vocal tract, enhancing certain frequencies while dampening others.

Acoustic Effect: Smiling tends to increase the energy in the higher formants (resonant frequencies), contributing to a more “forward” and vibrant vocal quality that is often perceived as naturally feminine.

3. Muscle Activation and Coordination:

Mechanism: Smiling engages a complex network of facial muscles, which are interconnected with the muscles of the larynx and vocal tract. This increased muscular activity can lead to improved coordination and control over speaking in the feminine register.

Acoustic Effect: Better coordination allows for more precise articulation and smoother transitions between sounds, which can create a more polished and expressive vocal style often associated with natural sounding femininity.

4. Emotional Expression and Perception:

Mechanism: Smiling conveys positive emotions like happiness, friendliness, and openness. These emotions are often linked to feminine vocal qualities, such as warmth, approachability, and enthusiasm.

Acoustic Effect: While not directly altering the acoustics of the voice, the emotional content of a smile can influence how listeners perceive the speaker’s vocal quality. A smiling voice is more likely to be perceived as feminine due to these associated emotional cues.

Smiling isn't just for conveying happiness; it's a secret weapon for a more feminine voice, backed by the science behind smiling for a feminine voice, and it's another tool in your gender-affirming voice toolbox.  By lifting your larynx, boosting resonance, and adding warmth to your tone, you’ll be rocking a voice that truly represents you. Practice makes perfect, so smile wide, keep those lips rounded (again, it’s tougher than it sounds), and let your voice shine!

And hey, if you haven’t already, be sure to check out the first article in this series for another quick trick to boost your resonance and feminize your sound. Rest assured, I’ll keep bringing you more tips and tricks to navigate this journey, so stay tuned, stay fabulous, and remember, your voice is yours to own!

Until next time,

Kylie