Whenever we hear someone speak, we take in what they are saying and how they are saying things. Additionally, we form impressions about speakers based on their voice and speech patterns. We assess their age, gender, potential profession, and whether they are introverted or extroverted. We also infer their emotional state – are they happy, sad, excited or calm? Moreover, we consider whether they are attempting to persuade us to do something. Many of these processes do not require our overt attention and happen without much effort within milliseconds.
In my talk, I will provide a snapshot of the research we have conducted over the years to highlight the social intentions speakers reveal through the way they speak. How do our brains extract and process information from voices that communicate emotions, attitudes, and motivations? How can the way others talk to us affect our behaviours and wellbeing? I will also outline what we can learn from these effects and how they are relevant in the “real world” emphasizing the power of voice.