A case study of successful voice imitation

Logoped Phoniatr Vocol. 2002;27(2):80-3. doi: 10.1080/140154302760409301.

Abstract

Our voices and speech behaviour give cues to the listener as to our identity. These cues make it possible for the listener to recognise a voice without seeing the speaker. A professional impersonator has to identify the salient and characteristic features of the target voice in order to succeed. The present phonetic study of a Swedish professional impersonator and one of his voice imitations compares the target voice, the voice imitation and the impersonator's own voice. The findings indicate that a successful impersonation is the result of the impersonator's ability to alter his voice in numerous ways.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cues
  • Famous Persons
  • Humans
  • Imitative Behavior*
  • Male
  • Verbal Behavior*
  • Voice Quality
  • Voice Training*