When I got my new car, I was delighted to learn that it came with a hands-free voice assistant. You press a button, and then the scene plays out as follows:
Car: Beep boop. “How can I help you?” Me: “Play that one sad song. I know, I know. That’s the kind of day it is.” Car: “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand.” Me: “Play that one song.” Car: “I’m sorry, I didn’t understand.” Me: “Just cancel.” Car: “I’m sorry-” Me: “CANCEL!” Car: “Cancelling.” Beep boop.
See, as awesome as this feature is, it really struggles to understand anything I actually say.
Until I started using my girl voice.
Legitimately! I’m not sure if this is simply because it’s in a higher pitch now (and the microphone can pick it up better); or if it’s because my accent has been slipping (and the original training data was chiefly American). Whatever the case: it’s a a welcome and unexpected reward for the work I’m putting in!
I’m losing my accent.
Developing a more feminine voice is not merely a case of raising your pitch (although this is a significant component). Women also use a specific vocabulary; elongate their vowels; and vary their overall tone more while speaking.
As I’ve attempted to replicate these qualities, I’ve used my wife’s voice as my model to aim for. As she is American however, I have also picked up elements of her accent in the process; causing my original accent to fade.