Study: Why We Prefer Breathy Voices Like Denise Austin's

Today's AFP Relaxnews has a story on how people are attracted to certain types of voices than others, according to the University of British Columbia. The article goes on to mention that for women, people are strongly attracted to "breathier" voices than "crackier" voices. Denise Austin was referenced in the story has having a "breathier" voice compared to Kim Kardashian who has a "crackier" voice.

The study notes gender differences are key to vocal attractiveness in addition to regional dialect preference. For women, people are strongly attracted to "breathier" voices, such as those of screen legend Marilyn Monroe or health and fitness icon Denise Austin. This is compared to "creakier" voices, such as those of the Kardashian clan. Breathiness is the result of thinner, "younger" vocal cords, with attraction to breathy voices stemming from cultural fixation with youth and vitality, the researchers say, noting a "creaky" voice may indicate a health issue, such as a cold or a long history of smoking.

(February 21, 2014). "Study: Why we prefer breathy voices like Marilyn Monroe's". AFP Relaxnews. Retrieved February 21, 2014

Professional writer and actress, Kimberly Rae Miller, blogged about how Denise could have another career doing sex imported film voice overs and/or steamy phone services when she retires. BTW the blog is tagged under "Sexy Voices" and it's the only blog under that tag.

First impression: When she finally hangs up her spandex, Denise Austin needs to consider a second career doing voice overs for steamy imported films, and/or paid phone services. Move over Lauren Bacall. What a voice.

Kimberly Rae Miller. (January 4, 2010). "Denise Austin Makes Over Your Body with Her Voice". SocialWorkout.com. Retrieved February 21, 2014

Some people have wondered if Denise Austin is or was a smoker because of her voice. Melisa Wells mentioned in her blog that teaching group fitness can hurt the larynx (aka voice box). The link to the study she referenced was broken so I did a little research and found a study called, "Vocal problems among aerobic instructors and aerobic participants." (Heidel & Torgerson 1993). The book Injury Prevention for Fitness Instructors also references the study on page 87.

If you don't like Denise's voice, her new DVDs have a music only option so you don't have to hear her instructions.