Our Political Leaders’ Voices

Our Political Leaders’ Voices

Patrick Wintour of the Guardian wrote about the voices of politicians and the impact they have on voters:
“…Research has shown the sound of a voice is worth more votes to politicians than the content of their speeches.”

Ed Miliband is sounding much better after his nose operation.  It must be a relief not to have that discomforting pressure in the head and nose.  Ed’s voice and speech is confident but still needs more profile and distinction.   It needs more variety of rate, pitch and rhythm.  Ed can sometimes sound as if he’s listening to himself.  This is not an indication of a character defect.  If you listen to sound recordings of W.H. Auden, their voices have a similar sound.  Ed Miliband needs to start thinking more about us – the listening general public.  Having good voice and speech doesn’t necessarily mean you are “slick” or trying to fool the public, it means that you are trying to be considerate towards the public.  He’s making good progress – especially with the s.

David Cameron is sounding slightly unsure – his sincerity seemingly is there but his voice still betrays a lack of belief.  Perhaps this makes him more of an honest man!  His opinions must be formed in most instances by sources that he can’t be absolutely sure of.  As time goes by – and certainly if he gets re-elected, his voice may move into a different area and assume that ring of certainty of self-belief that  long-term Prime Ministers have.   Interestingly enough this area is also used by expert conmen and conwomen.

Nick Clegg has a fairly good style of delivery – very similar in style to David Cameron’s, although it doesn’t flow quite so well as David’s and still signals “I feel unnatural” .  He has the voice of a Mafia Don – a very nice and youngish Mafia Don, but a Mafia Don all the same.  The future around him could be interesting.

David Cameron
Nick Clegg
Ed Miliband