Let’s talk about vocal fry, a speech pattern that frequently sparks a lot of debate. You’ve probably heard it before: that low, creaky vibration at the end of a sentence. It’s a vocal habit that people use more often than they realize, and understanding it can help you become a more effective communicator.

What does vocal fry mean?

Vocal fry, also known as glottal fry or pulse register, is a creaky, croaky, popping sound, usually at the end of phrases. It’s completely natural and part of the full range of your voice.

Why is vocal fry controversial?

As a speech coach, I hear mixed opinions about vocal fry. Critics say it sounds unprofessional or lazy, especially in formal settings. But I see vocal fry as just one piece of your vocal toolkit. Just like filler words, it’s not inherently good or bad. It’s all about how you use it.

That said, it’s crucial to understand the cultural bias surrounding vocal fry. Women, in particular, face disproportionate criticism for using vocal fry. Naomi Wolf points out that vocal fry isn’t inherently a problem but rather reflects societal discomfort with the way women express themselves vocally. Instead of focusing on how women speak, we should examine why their speech patterns are judged so harshly. Recognizing this bias can help us create a more inclusive and fair standard for communication.

Why do people talk with vocal fry?

From a speech coach’s perspective, vocal fry happens when:

Airflow is reduced: Your vocal cords vibrate less freely.
Pitch drops to the lowest register: This is where the creaky sound originates.
Vocal cords are loose or relaxed: Your vocal cords vibrate at a lower frequency, producing fewer vibrations per second than usual.

In normal (modal) voice, your vocal cords vibrate very rapidly, somewhere between 180 to 200 times per second. It’s so fast that you can’t hear the individual pulses. But if you slow that down—by using a little less air or adding some extra tension—you’ll hear the individual pulses as your vocal cords come together.

Some people intentionally use vocal fry to signal a relaxed, casual tone. Others may fall into it unconsciously, especially when tired or speaking without enough breath support. It can also be a stylistic choice for emphasis or to project a certain image.

Vocal fry appears across many languages and cultures. For example, Danish features a suprasegmental aspect called Stød, which varies by dialect but is often described as a type of creaky voice.

Why do millennials use vocal fry?

Critics often associate vocal fry with younger generations, particularly millennials. But it’s not unique to this group. Many people grew up hearing vocal fry in media and adopted it as part of their speech patterns. In some cases, vocal fry may also reflect broader cultural trends toward casual, conversational speaking styles.

Interestingly, vocal fry was first recorded in British men in the 1960s. Historians suppose that they were trying to exert a sense of social superiority. Throughout history, other specific speaking styles have risen to prominence as cultural markers. For example, the transatlantic accent of the early 20th century was used to convey sophistication and polish in radio and film, while the exaggerated “valley girl” uptalk/upspeak of the 1980s became a hallmark of certain social groups. Vocal fry could be the latest iteration of a vocal trend that aligns with generational identity and cultural shifts.

The criticism of vocal fry may stem from biases about youth and professionalism. Understanding this context is crucial for a fair evaluation of the speech pattern.

What does vocal fry sound like?

Vocal fry sounds like a low, creaky vibration, sort of like a door hinge that needs oiling. It’s most noticeable at the end of sentences, where people tend to let their voices drop in pitch.

Curious to try it? Start by saying “ahh” in your regular voice. Now, lower your pitch as much as you can until your voice begins to crackle and creak. You might notice it works best if you let your breath run low, adding to that characteristic fry-like quality. Go ahead, give it a shot—no WD-40 required!

What is a vocal fry example?

Vocal fry is all around us: in casual conversations, media, and even professional settings. Many celebrities and public figures use vocal fry to varying degrees, including Jeff Goldblum, Britney Spears, Hasan Minhaj, Matthew McConaughey, Morgan Freeman, Kurt Cobain, Liam Neeson, Johnny Depp, Woody Harrelson, Kim Kardashian, and Ira Glass.

Speaking of Ira Glass, his podcast This American Life featured an entire segment on vocal fry. He notes that the term gained traction in 2011 after a study of 34 college students at Long Island University revealed that two-thirds of them used vocal fry, most often at the ends of sentences. It’s a fascinating episode and definitely worth a listen.

How do you tell if you have vocal fry?

Recognizing vocal fry in your own voice is simple once you know what to listen for. Record yourself speaking naturally, and listen for a “popping” or “crackling” quality. Pay special attention to the end of your sentences, especially when you’re tired or not supporting your voice with enough breath. If your voice drops to a low, creaky pitch, you’re using vocal fry.

Does vocal fry affect your health?

Vocal fry is not known to harm your vocal cords or have any side effects related to physical health. But like any habit, overuse can influence how others perceive you, which might indirectly affect your mental well-being. Understanding when and how you use vocal fry is essential to managing its impact and ensuring it aligns with your communication goals.

When is vocal fry a problem?

Vocal fry becomes an issue when it starts to interfere with your personal, professional, or social goals.

A touch of vocal fry can make you sound more relaxed, which is why some radio personalities and casual speakers use it. However, this laid-back tone might not always work in professional settings, where it could unintentionally convey boredom, disinterest, or even a lack of ambition.

If you’re unsatisfied with your vocal quality, vocal exercises and warmups focusing on breath control can make a significant difference. These techniques help you coordinate airflow, vocal cord vibration, and resonance to create a stronger, more confident sound.

For persistent vocal roughness, consulting a specialist is a good idea to rule out any underlying vocal cord disorders

Should you use vocal fry?

To fry or not to fry? The answer lies in your goals as a speaker. Here are some pointers I often share with my clients:

Professional Settings: Job interviews, presentations, and meetings are arenas where vocal fry might not win you points. Reducing it can help sidestep negative perceptions and project confidence.
Social Media: If you’re creating content for platforms like Instagram or TikTok, minimizing vocal fry can lend a more polished and authoritative tone to your voice.
Intentional Use: Like seasoning a dish, a pinch of vocal fry can work wonders. Use it sparingly to add a conversational vibe or emphasize key points in your speech.
Vocal Health: If vocal fry leaves your voice feeling like it just ran a marathon, it’s time to tweak your technique. Your voice should feel strong, not strained.

Ultimately, vocal fry is a tool. And like any tool, it works best when used thoughtfully.

Tips to minimize vocal fry

If vocal fry isn’t serving you, here are a few strategies I recommend:

Engage your breath support: Speak from your diaphragm to maintain steady airflow. In Speeko, we call this the Belly Breathing technique
Use Roger Love’s “squeaky hinge” fix: Take a deep breath and let a solid stream of air carry your words. Add more commas to your sentences so you can take frequent breaks to breathe, which also gives you more time to think about what you want to say.
Hydrate and rest: Staying hydrated keeps your vocal cords in good shape. Rest your voice if you’ve been speaking a lot.

Final thoughts

As a speech coach, my job is to help people find their most authentic and effective voice. Vocal fry is just one aspect of how we communicate. It’s not something to fear or avoid completely, but rather to understand and use thoughtfully. By being mindful of how you’re using your voice, you can connect more powerfully with your audience.

Ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? Tap into the power of AI coaching to unleash your full speaking potential with Speeko!

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