Find your voice

No matter where you identify on the gender spectrum - transfeminine, transmasculine, gender nonconforming / genderqueer - the key to changing your communication style is to find the right combination of speech/voice features that sound natural and feel true to you. Pitch is typically the first thing to consider, but additional speech features can also be utilized, such as resonance and intonation. A more feminine voice sounds smaller, softer, lighter, and more expressive, while a more masculine voice sounds bigger, heavier, and more matter-of-fact. If you are transitioning, don't put off your voice if you don't like it! You just need to be willing to be in limbo as you work on it, similar to other parts of your transition! Behavioral voice change usually involves a period of solid practice, experimenting with your voice in real life, and then letting it settle over time. Luckily, there is a big overlap between typical feminine and masculine speech/voice, and you have many speech/voice features at your disposal. With help, most people can make changes that make a difference in their lives in terms of comfort, safety, and success in social and professional situations.

I provide a perceptual-acoustic speech/voice evaluation, including measurements of your exact habitual pitch and pitch range. I can determine what aspects of your communication should be changed or utilized more. In training sessions, I use my trained ear, pitch software, video, a guitar tuner, and/or a simulated piano keyboard to give you the critical immediate feedback you need. As a health professional, I also take a very serious approach to vocal health by taking into account your overall health, the condition of your vocal folds, and your vocal habits.

Take the Transgender Self-Evaluation Questionnaire to consider how much your voice is affecting your life. Professional voice users: www.cblock.net for more information.