What is your favorite quote about voice?
About voice? Not easy to answer, right? Indeed there are not many well-known quotes about this powerful instrument we all have. I decided to collect the ones I knew, search for some new ones, and put them all together. Now I share this selection with you.
1. “Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning” –Maya Angelou
Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou wrote poems and memoirs that have captivated millions. But she knew very well that uttering these words with the right emotions is the ultimate way to touch people. Can you imagine her reciting her own poems? You can watch her here and feel what this quote is all about.
2. “The Human Voice is the most perfect instrument of all” –Arvo Pärt
One of the most acclaimed contemporary classical composers today is Arvo Pärt, from Estonia. He has delighted us with fascinating music written for a wide range of instruments. With this quote, Pärt reminds us that no instrument in the world can beat human voice’s perfection.
3. “We often refuse to accept an idea merely because the tone of voice in which it has been expressed is unsympathetic to us.” –Friedrich Nietzsche
Sometimes we want to convince people about our ideas. We choose the right words. We say these words. But the words don’t suffice. The tone of our voice matters. Will you be empathetic with the person who will hear your words? One of the best quotes of German philosopher Nietzsche reminds us this.
4. “The tongue can paint what the eyes can’t see.” –Chinese Proverb
We very often hear “a picture is worth a thousand words.” The truth is that our voices can paint and create unimaginable experiences that no picture can show. This old proverb is a true homage to all those moments when our voices painted the world with colors and sounds.
5. “Breathe and the World Breathes with You.” –Unknown
A quote whose author is unknown. It has been used to depict yoga, meditation, and other activities in which breathing is a key element. Mark Bowden has used it to title a subchapter in his book “Winning Body Language.” There he explains us how movie makers have repeatedly produced emotions in us by making us join specific breathing patterns. With a proper breathe we can make any audience to follow us along every word we say.
6. “Vocal exercises are the analogy of a runner who stretches before running a race.” –Roger Love
Roger Love is one of the most respected vocal coaches for both singers and speakers. Although he began his career coaching singers, Love was soon commissioned by actors and public speakers to share his secrets for a powerful voice. With this quote, Love reminds us that a high-performance athlete would never run a race without first warming up. Similarly, a professional speaker cannot perform at their vocal peak without doing vocal warm-ups first.
I wish these quotes give you inspiration to breathe, warm up, add emotions and make your voice your perfect instrument in life.
Want more quotes? Read the 5 Quotes About Your Powerful Voice which is a continuation of this selection.
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These are great quotes, Oscar. Thanks for sharing. I will add them to my series on quotes on Manner of Speaking.
Glad you like them, John. Sure, spread them!
Thankyou for sharing Oscar.
Thanks for shining a light on the power of the human voice! The voice is a reflection of the psyche, soul. How we use our voice gives others an intuitive sense of what we really feel, think and mean. So if we want to influence others, we must develop our voices to their maximum potential. I am a Lessac voice teacher for 40 years. Arthur Lessac used to say, “Don’t envy a good voice, have one.” Anyone can develop their vocal instrument with good training as Roger Love will attest. Sandra Zimmer, http://www.self-expression.com
I find that being multi lingual somehow adds some substance to your voice/tone. I sometimes play games with my voice. One example is to look/appear contrary to what you are expressing with your voice. The look on people’s faces is something to observe, lol!
“Use your voice.”
I came upon this site while looking for the author of this quote that I heard recently. It struck a chord. So many times in life, we react internally, both happily or adversely, to something we hear or see, but are reticient to say anything. Why? Probably because we are afraid. Afraid of what another person will think. Use your words wisely, expressively, gently or strongly, but USE THEM! Words create happiness and also right wrongs.
One more quote about words:
“Words are very powerful.”
Again, who is the author? I do not know! But the gist of this quote, which I heard many years ago, went on to explain that our words carry energy that have the power to create. Since everything on the planet is made of energy, use the tool of speech wisely and with purpose. You can create miracles with your words.
I can’t thank you enough, Oscar, for sharing these fabulous quotes!
They are indeed eye openers, and will surely embellish my voice training programmes.
True, most people never realize in their lifetime – let alone utilize – the tremendous potential that the human vocal system has.
If at all they knew this and gave the fullest expression to their inner positivity through this amazing tool… the world would be a better place!