A resource for speech pathologists
 Gender Differences in Voice and Communication
The voice, speech and language differences between males and females are the basis on which therapy goals can be formed. Data pertaining to perceptions of 'maleness' or 'femaleness’ should be accepted with caution. There is empirical evidence supporting gender-related differences for voice characteristics. However, support for speech and language differences is lacking and these may be considered more as stereotypical differences. Hence, speech and language differences will be influenced by ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic factors and will change over time. The following speech and language features should, therefore, be used as a general guide only.
Voice characteristics
- Females use a higher average pitch level than males
|
Mean Fundamental Frequency |
Mean Fundamental Frequency
Range
|
| Females |
196-224 Hz |
145-275 Hz |
Males |
107-132 Hz |
80-165 Hz |
(Note the overlap in the gender-ambiguous range of 145-165 Hz)
- Females use a wider pitch range and greater variability of pitch than males
- Females use more rising tones and less level and falling tones than males
- Females use a mean lower intensity level and a narrower intensity range than males
- Formant frequencies for females have higher and wider bandwidths and lower formant amplitudes than males
- Females use less lip-rounding than males
- Females use increased breathiness compared with males 13, 31, 32
Speech and language characteristics
- Females use more head resonance and males use more chest resonance
- Females use more precise and lighter articulatory patterns than males
- Females have a lower average vocal intensity than males
- Females swear less than males
- Females use more adverbial and tag clauses, indicating uncertainty or an expression of politeness, than males
- Females elaborate more in conversation, use more pronouns in subordinate clauses and less contractions than males
- Females are more emotionally expressive and use more terms of affection13, 31, 32
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