The Detection of Emotions in the Voice

A fundamental part of emotional intelligence is knowing how to identify your own emotions and those of others. It is possible, and not very difficult, to detect emotions in the voice, since it changes depending on how a person feels.

The Voice as an Expression of Emotions

Human beings are capable of laughing, crying, screaming, moaning… An endless number of sounds that help us express ourselves. Although these expressions seem obvious and easy to detect, all emotions in the voice can be identified, even the most subtle ones or those that are intended to be hidden, since they are manifested in tone, speed or volume.

Physical and Emotional Factors in Voice Emission

The emission of the voice involves both the physical and the mental and emotional levels. When we express ourselves, the neuromuscular functioning of the voice and gestures is activated, while the mind, linked to language and understanding, also intervenes. Additionally, the personality and emotional charge of the message play a crucial role in how the voice is perceived.

Studies on the Expression of Emotions in the Voice

According to a study by the Complutense University of Madrid, variations in speed and volume of voice emission are established and quantified to express emotions such as anger, surprise, joy, sadness or fear. This study revealed that sadness is expressed with a low voice volume and slow speed. In contrast, joy is fast, with an average of 155 words per minute, being the fastest emotion in expression.

Tone of Voice and Emotions

Tone is another key variable in emotion detection. While fear and sadness are expressed with a low tone, joy and anger usually have a high tone. Emotions are often reflected in the voice unconsciously.

Voice Training and Control

Although emotions often manifest automatically in the voice, it is possible to train it to transmit different emotional states. A useful exercise is to repeat a phrase trying to convey different emotions. This helps to become aware of how the voice changes when expressing each emotion and to improve breathing control, a key tool in the speech system.

The Specialization of the Brain in the Detection of Emotions in the Voice

The human ability to perceive emotional nuances in the voice is a highly specialized skill. In fact, the human brain dedicates a different region for recognizing emotions in the voice compared to the region that processes emotions in facial expressions.

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