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Researchers say they have worked out a mathematical formula to find the perfect
human voice.
The study, commissioned by Post Office Telecoms, asked people to rate 50 voices
then analysed the results.
It found the best female voice to be a mixture of Mariella Frostrup, Dame Judi
Dench and Honor Blackman. Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons did best for the men.
The research was conducted by linguist Andrew Linn, of Sheffield University,
and sound engineer Shannon Harris.
The pair worked out their formula based on the combination of tone, speed,
frequency, words per minute and intonation.
They concluded the ideal voice should utter no more than 164 words per minute
and pause for 0.48 seconds between sentences. Sentences themselves should fall
rather than rise in intonation.
Vocal traits associated with positive characteristics, such as confidence and
trust, scored highly with listeners.
Professor Linn said: "As humans we instinctively know which voices send shivers
down our spine and which make us shudder with disgust.
"The emotional responses panellists had to the voices were surprising and go
some way to explaining how voiceover artists or radio DJs are selected, or why
particular celebrity voices appeal."
He said most men found presenter Mariella Frostrup's voice "mesmerising"
because it was deep, slow and confident.
Actor Jeremy Irons came very close to the ideal voice model, speaking at 200
words per minute and pausing for 1.2 seconds between sentences.
Professor Linn said this explained why his "deep gravelly tones" inspired trust
in listeners.
He said: "This formula gives us an exciting glimpse into the way voices work
and what makes them appealing or repelling."
The formula showed the BBC's Jonathan Ross, on the other hand, spoke too
quickly, with very short pauses between sentences.
The researchers said the presenter's varied range of voice, with frequent highs
and lows was associated with expressiveness and intelligence. But his rising
intonation was usually linked with someone weak or unsure.