Other speech features

Vocal quality

Vocal quality also is an important component of a feminine voice. Many transwomen try to be breathy, giving their voice a 'soft' quality. This is relatively easy to do, but be sure not to be too breathy, which can sound unnatural or make it hard to be loud when you need to be.

Articulation

Feminine articulation tends to be lighter than masculine articulation. Studies show that women hold their tongues in a more anterior position in the mouth. To achieve this, aim for more precise movement of the tongue and lips, and notice your tongue moving in the front of your mouth. Also try to widen your lips into more of a smiling position.

Loudness level

Typically, loudness level is relatively decreased in feminine speech compared to masculine speech. Being a little quieter during conversational speech is fairly easy to do. Remembering to be quieter is more of the challenge!

Speech exercises

Facts

When making a breathy voice, the vocal folds touch less during the vibratory cycle, allowing more air to flow through.

Articulation is closely related to speech rate. With a slower speech rate, the tongue, lips, and jaw have time to move appropriately.

During loud voicing, the vocal folds move in a wider vibratory pattern as more air flows through them.