Speech mechanics

Vocal fry

Definition

A low, creaky vocal register produced when vocal cords vibrate slowly and irregularly — common at the ends of sentences in modern English.

Vocal fry sits at the bottom of your vocal range. It's neither inherently bad nor a defect — many famous speakers use it. Problems arise only when vocal fry becomes the constant default, especially paired with uptalk, which can reduce perceived authority in formal settings.

Increasing breath support and ending sentences with energy (instead of letting them trail off) reduces vocal fry without forcing your voice into an unnatural higher register.

Sources

Anderson et al., "Vocal fry may undermine the success of young women in the labor market," PLOS ONE (2014) — PLOS ONE

Related terms

Uptalk

The habit of ending statements with a rising intonation, making them sound like questions even when they aren't.

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