How do I change the voice on my video call?
Using vocal variety on video calls has many benefits. Varying the pitch, tone, volume, and rate of your voice keeps the listener engaged and conveys emotion more effectively. Having good vocal variety helps avoid monotony and makes you more dynamic and interesting to listen to. It allows you to emphasize key points, show enthusiasm, and build rapport through your vocal expression. Changing your voice on video calls, whether subtly or more dramatically with effects, can help you connect better with your audience. This article will explore different techniques for modifying your voice on video chats to make your calls more lively and impactful.
Check Platform Settings
Many popular video calling platforms like Zoom, Skype, Google Meet, Microsoft Teams, and Facebook Messenger have built-in voice changing options you can use. For example, Zoom has a “Touch Up My Appearance” filter that can subtly alter your voice’s pitch, tone, and more masculine/feminine qualities.
On Skype, you can click the settings icon during a call and select “Audio Settings” to enable options like “Reduce microphone background noise” and “Reduce incoming background noise” which can change how your voice sounds.
Google Meet provides audio filters like “Underwater” and “Robot” to dramatically alter your voice. While Microsoft Teams and Facebook Messenger have fewer options, you may still find voice effects under audio or video settings.
So before installing any additional software, it’s worth checking the platform’s own settings first. They often have basic voice changing capabilities built-in for free. Just ensure the changes align with any company or school policies on appropriate use.
Use a Virtual Audio Cable
One way to change your voice on a video call is by routing your audio through a virtual audio cable. A virtual audio cable acts like a physical audio cable that can transfer audio between applications on your computer. Popular virtual audio cable software options include VB-Audio Virtual Cable for Windows and JACK Audio Connection Kit for Mac.
After installing a virtual audio cable, you can configure your video calling software to send audio through the virtual cable rather than your default microphone. You can then run the audio through audio processing software like a voice changer or equalizer to alter the sound before routing it back to the video call.
The key benefit of using a virtual audio cable is that it lets you apply real-time audio effects easily. You don’t have to pre-record or edit any audio files. This makes it a convenient way to change your voice dynamically during a live video call.
Install a Voice Changer App
One of the easiest ways to change your voice for video calls is through a dedicated voice changing app. There are many options available for different devices and platforms. Popular voice changer apps include:
Voicemod – Works on Windows and Mac. Has features like voice filters, voice morphing, and integrated webcam and mic controls. Voicemod offers voices like orc, robot, and alien. There’s a free version with limited voices.
MorphVox – Designed for Windows, MorphVox has a wide selection of voices and accents to transform how you sound on calls. Paid options remove ads and unlock additional voice packs.
Clownfish – Available for iOS and Android. Clownfish boasts a clean interface and the ability to adjust pitch. The free version has basic voice effects and no ads.
These apps make it easy to experiment with different voices, accents, and effects. Simply install the app, select a voice, and configure your video call software to use it as the microphone input. With a voice changer app, you can anonymize yourself or just have fun surprising people on video chats.
Use Audio Production Software
Audio production software such as Audacity provides advanced audio editing capabilities to change how your voice sounds. With Audacity you can alter the pitch, tempo, tone, and volume of your voice recordings. For more precise editing, you can view audio waveforms and apply filters and effects.
One of the benefits of using production software is the ability to fine-tune voice modulations. You can tweak settings to get your voice to sound just right for your needs. For example, you can slightly raise the pitch or adjust the equalizer to reduce bass frequencies. Audacity also allows you to mix multiple recordings together, which can layer effects.
While the interface has a learning curve, Audacity is free, open source software available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. With some practice it gives you professional-grade voice editing tools to truly customize how you sound on video calls.
Consider a Voice Changer Device
If you want to significantly alter your voice in real time during video calls, dedicated voice changing hardware may be the best option. There are various devices designed specifically for modifying your voice that can be used with video calling platforms.Voice Changer Device
Hardware voice changers allow you to make major modifications like changing your gender, pitch, tone, and adding effects. Some popular options are microphone attachments, masks, and handheld devices. Look for products that offer multiple voice changing modes and effects.
High-end voice changing devices utilize advanced audio signal processing to transform your voice in real time. This allows natural sounding voice changes. Budget devices may have more robotic effects.
Consider the form factor – mask attachments can completely disguise your appearance, while handheld options are more portable. Megaphone style devices are also available to significantly increase your volume.
Make sure any voice changing hardware is compatible with your video calling platform and computer or mobile device audio input. Using a dedicated voice changing device can be an easy and effective way to anonymize your voice during video calls.
Change Accent and Dialect
While it’s very difficult to permanently change your native accent, it is possible to convincingly mimic other accents and dialects for short periods of time. Here are some tips:
Focus on key sounds that characterize the accent you want to copy. For example, British accents are known for dropping the “r” at the end of words. Practice those challenging sounds separately before trying full sentences.
Watch videos of native speakers and try to visually mimic their lip and mouth shapes as they talk. The position of your lips, tongue and jaw dramatically impacts accent.
Use audio recording software to listen back to yourself mimicking an accent. This will help you identify areas that need improvement.
Learn the precise vowel and consonant substitutions that your target accent uses. For example, New Yorkers tend to use the vowel in “talk” for words like “coffee” and “sauna.”
Start by imitating individual words in the new accent before moving on to full sentences. Master the sound changes before trying to speak at a normal pace.
Immerse yourself in listening to your target accent by watching films and TV shows. The more exposure you have, the more natural it will become.
Consider working with a dialect coach or speech pathologist to perfect difficult accent sounds. Their guidance and practice can make a big difference. (https://connectedspeechpathology.com/blog/changing-your-accent)
With diligent practice and dedication, convincingly mimicking a new accent is possible. Just keep your practice sessions short to avoid straining your voice.
Alter Pitch and Tone
There are several techniques you can use to alter the pitch and tone of your voice on video calls:
To sound higher, speak from your head voice rather than your chest voice. Try tightening your vocal cords and throat to raise the pitch. You can also train your voice to reach higher notes by practicing vocal exercises and singing scales. Some people find breathing in helium temporarily raises vocal pitch as well.
To sound lower, speak from your chest in a relaxed way and open your throat. Let your voice resonate deeper and avoid straining. Try holding your nose while talking to direct more vibration through your mouth and vocal tract. You can practice speaking at a lower pitch to expand your range.
For a more monotone sound, maintain a steady pitch and tone rather than varying it. Keep your voice relaxed and use a calm, even delivery. Avoid emphasizing particular words or phrases. Speak slowly and steadily while focusing on consistent vocal output. This creates a flat, monotonous effect.
With practice and vocal techniques, you can learn to manipulate pitch and tone for the desired effect. Just be sure not to strain your vocal cords by pushing your voice outside its natural range.
Modulate Volume and Speed
You can easily increase or decrease the volume, or speed up or slow down the voice, during a video call on most platforms.
On an iPhone, go to Settings > Accessibility > Spoken Content and adjust the speaking rate and volume sliders as desired. Faster rates will speed up the voice, while lower volumes will decrease loudness.
For Android devices, open the device’s Accessibility settings and look for options like “Text-to-speech output” or “Speech rate” to modulate speed and volume. You can also install third-party apps like Voice Changer for more customization.
On desktop apps like Skype or Zoom, look in the settings/preferences menu for “Voice” or “Audio” options to change microphone volume and playback speed.
Modulating volume and speed can help adjust the vocal pitch and tone to your liking during calls without installing additional software.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a variety of effective methods for changing your voice on video calls. The easiest options are to adjust settings within your video conferencing platform or install a voice changing app. For more advanced voice modulation, you can use audio production software or dedicated voice changing devices. When altering your voice, focus on varying pitch, tone, volume and speed to sound natural. Use accents and dialects selectively and avoid overusing vocal effects.
With practice and vocal warmups, you can expand your vocal range and flexibility. Approach voice changes subtly and aim for believability. Monitor your audience’s reaction and adjust as needed. Use vocal variety to keep video calls engaging but don’t let voice changes become a distraction. Consider your goals and choose the simplest voice changing approach that meets your needs. Stay true to yourself even as you explore the possibilities of altering your vocal presentation.