The Effect of Voice Volume on the Perception of Personality

Abstract

Summary On the basis of correlational studies and anecdotal evidence, it was hypothesized that a loudly speaking person would be perceived as being more aggressive, dominant, and self-assured than would a softly speaking person. Sixty-three male and female college students listened to a tape-recorded interview in which they heard a female interviewee answer questions in either a low, moderate, or high voice volume. Ss rated the interviewee on seven point personality trait scales. The interviewee was perceived as most aggressive when speaking in a high voice volume, but was also perceived to be lacking in self-assurance.