Can someone's voice persuade you to buy something?

By Chris Tester - British Male Voiceover Artist

Can someone's voice persuade you to buy something?

The short answer is 'yes' (you knew this was coming)
Let me elaborate.

If you've ever been convinced by a salesperson's pitch, then you know that a person's tone and cadence can have a huge impact on your buying decisions.
But why do we respond to certain voices in one way, and not another?
And what makes some people's voices more persuasive than others?

The answer lies in your brain. When you hear someone speak, your brain is constantly processing information about their voice—how loud or soft it is, how high or low it sounds—and then makes decisions based on that information.

This happens unconsciously of course. Yes, there might be some rational thinking involved depending on what you're buying, but most of the time your heart overrides this, because that smooth-sounding voice has already convinced you.

So if you want people to buy from you—you need to make sure your voice is persuasive.
And there are several ways you can practice having a persuasive voice:

• Smile when you speak, with a warm friendly tone
• Lower your voice slightly, but don't be too soft or it will sound weak
• Speak clearly and slowly - distinct is better than fast and furious
• The best way to do this is by taking slow, deep breaths between sentences
• Use an animated voice, but don't overdo it - speak from your chest not your throat  
• Don’t be afraid to laugh at yourself
• Speak with confidence 
• No rushing through the words - take a breath after every sentence 
• Don't be afraid to pause for effect - this can help people focus on what you're saying
• Avoid using negative words (don't, won't, can't etc.)
• Make sure your sentences are punchy, not long-winded
• Use words like 'you', 'your' instead of 'I', 'me', 'us' and 'we

And there you have it. 
If you want to speak with confidence, make sure that you practice your pitch beforehand, and always remember to be yourself!


And if you need to borrow a professional's voice for your next business project - you know where to find me 📩

#confidence #businessowner #sales #voiceover #salesskills

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