Men are more attracted to women with higher-pitched and breathy voices, as these seem to indicate smaller body size, a study published in Plos One suggests. Further research indicates that women who sound attractive usually are.
As a result, women find men with lower-pitched voices more attractive. It's the opposite for men, who are more attracted to women with higher-pitched voices, which is perceived as a marker for femininity. Attractiveness in the voice is important for the impressions we give our potential partners.
Studies show that women tend to prefer men with deep voices, which are linked to higher testosterone levels and general reproductive prowess. Men, meanwhile, are drawn to women with high-pitched voices, which are associated with high estrogen levels, perhaps serving as a cue to a woman's health and fertility.
So it tickled me to discover my voice was referenced in a recent dating study from the University of Sussex which found that men find a lower tone more attractive.
Lower-pitched voices are associated with dominance and protectiveness — but without breathiness, such a voice can sound too aggressive. Sounding more assertive — and being more assertive — might have the unintended effect of changing whether or not a man finds a woman attractive.
"However," he says, "evidence suggests men evolved deeper voices mainly for intimidating other men rather than attracting women." Studies show that men with deeper voices tend to have higher testosterone levels (an indicator of dominance) and a more athletic body type.
If his voice seems to trail off when the two of you are talking, it's not likely he is interested in you. But if his voice is deep and present, and asking questions about what you are saying; he is probably crushing on you too.
Research confirms that deep voices give men an aura of power and sexual allure. Men with low, resonant voices are more likely to be perceived as attractive, masculine, respectable, and dominant.
As a result, women find men with lower-pitched voices more attractive. It's the opposite for men, who are more attracted to women with higher-pitched voices, which is perceived as a marker for femininity. Attractiveness in the voice is important for the impressions we give our potential partners.
Sexy voice is most times linked with sexual performance
This is because testosterone production influences a man's voice and can also give him more muscle. This particular point is why some guys use voice manipulation or change the pitch of their voice to impress the girl.
Men typically call only when they need to receive or impart information. A man in love, however, will pick up the phone and call, he'll text, he'll email and more. He wants to hear her voice, and he wants to know how she is doing.
Guys that are into you often use lots of emojis, text first, or even double text. Watch for in-person signs, like holding eye contact, respectful little touches, or leaning in close. A follow-up text after a date or hangout, or a raincheck when he can't make it are sure signs that he wants to spend more time with you.
A sultry voice oozes with seductiveness. Sultry voices are most often associated with femme fatales, bombshells, and others who sound deliberately sexually inviting. Although sultry voices are usually low and smoky, that can vary, as seen (or rather, heard) in Marilyn Monroe's iconically breathy voice.
A flirty voice is playful and light, sometimes sarcastic and witty. It gives you that tingle down your spine, and it makes the listener feel special, maybe even shy. It's the kind of voice you might hear on a TV network promo or commercial spot.
Notably, voice pitch has also been found to reflect a person's real characteristics, with lower pitch correlated with being stronger, taller, and having a higher level of testosterone.
In fact, owners of a deep voice get better ratings for all kinds of qualities. A 2012 study on electoral success found they were considered more intelligent, more trustworthy, more confident, more likable, healthier, and of a higher social status than high-pitched men.
Signs and symptoms of high testosterone in men
Excess testosterone can lead to more aggressive and irritable behavior, more acne and oily skin, even worse sleep apnea (if you already have it), and an increase in muscle mass.
Turns out that's what most guys do. And so do most women. Researchers found that, "Both sexes used a lower-pitched voice and showed a higher level of physiological arousal when speaking to the more attractive, opposite-sex target.
Japanese women have been found to have higher pitches than Dutch women. This finding has been explained in the past by assuming that Japanese women raise their pitch in order to project a vocal image associated with feminine attributes of powerlessness.