Wind and smoke...
Cotton candy...
The slow opening and closing of a pink cashmere sweater...
Champagne lava...
These were a few of the many ways that people have described Marilyn Monroe’s voice.
But linguists use a different word…
They call it "wet."
What is a wet voice, exactly? I’ll describe it, right here in this video.
Here’s why linguists describe Marilyn Monroe’s voice as “wet.”
We salivate when we see delicious food, receive praise, or experience happiness. Your listener subconsciously reads these cues, and perceives you as confident and approachable.
Marilyn Monroe's famously breathy voice was not only moist, it was also aspirated. We all naturally "aspirate" our voices-- increasing the amount of air through the vocal chords, as if whispering-- when we feel close. (Cue your mental replay of “Happy Birthday, Mr. President.”)
When your voice sounds strong and fluid, you’ll be perceived as confident and authentic.
But when you feel awkward -- for instance, when a pitch goes badly, or you get stressed by sudden conflict – your brain shoots a zap of fight-or-flight epinephrine, making your mouth go dry. That can damage your personal brand.
If your words sound dry and timid, you’ll be perceived as insecure, or even untrustworthy.
Every time you communicate, you can captivate people by feeling confident and authentic. When you do, they'll remember you, talk about you, and most of all, buy from you.
You might just say... fascination is your perfect mate.
Do you know someone you think uses their own wet voice? Let them know just how fascinating it makes them by sending them here.
I want to know: When do YOU feel most confident, so your voice is strong? Tell me in the comments, below!
When the story is known well enough, but I'm leading the listener(s) forward, exploring a new perspective that's, to them, yet unseen.
...and THAT is when you have nailed it!
I completely concur. Your wordsmithing is wet as well.
Sally, YOU live your fascination brand! I was mesmerized by the Marilyn Monroe story, the hints and graphics as you tell it, as well as the challenge. Even your dress is fascinating! Makes me think of my own Advantage and to be much more purposeful of ALL the elements - including voice! 🙂
I don't know about my "wet voice" when I'm speaking, but I do know the sensual reactions that arise when I paint with a brush loaded wet, luscious acrylic. Like spreading butter.Or when I apply watercolor onto moistened paper and watch as the color slowly spreads across the surface. Ooh...
When you talk to someone as they're only 6 inches away reminds me of Seth Godin. I'm taking one of his online courses, and the way he talks feels so personable. It happens that he talks like he's 6 inches away from you or at least as if he's having a one-on-one conversation with you. Fascinating.
Question of level of interest -- I want to save the world!!! Conservation starts with each one of us: slowing down and appreciating the wonderful world we have gives impetus to wanting to care for it and our children. If not now, then when? If not you and I, then who?
When we talk about the way we brew Big Ass®️ Beers to produce “shockingly smooth” big bodied beers. Our choice of malts, hops and yeasts yield aromas, mouth feel and finishing flavors that are both substantial and smooth.
My voice and entire demeanor changes when I talk about engagement marketing (my specialty). I’m passionate about it and I’m confident in the results it can bring to my clients. I’ve been told multiple times that I sparkle when I talk about this subject. I’ll try to pay attention to my voice too and see if it sounds ‘wet’ when I share my passion…
Putting out my plan and dream for my corporate retreat center on our farm.
This is needed as so many want to connect with “the land” , “a farmer” stars in the sky, food, a slower pace and who needs it more than busy Executives? Providing a place to disconnect in order to reconnect will not only provide company leaders an opportunity to recharge but they will take back their renewal and it will trickle down through their company!
Probably my perfect 'wet' voice is when I'm telling the bartender the exact ingredients & proportions to use for mixing my perfect Espresso Martini inclusive of the dark chocolate drizzled on the interior of the Martini glass! All the surrounding patrons watch and ...... then start to order the same. Having everyone's attention, I tell them when I list their homes, they will get a perfectly designed Marketing Plan guaranteed for success.......thus, always Marketing, always Selling!