Voice is the musical quality of a person’s speech—the timbre, pitch, and natural resonance of the throat and lungs. A pleasant voice draws listeners in and makes words seem wise; a harsh or grating voice undermines even truth. Beyond mere pleasantness, voice carries character: the husky contralto of a weathered sea-captain, the clear soprano of a chapel singer, or the booming bellow of a blacksmith in his forge.
Jarring
Jarring voices offend the ear and cause actual discomfort. They may be shrill, harsh, or unpleasantly nasal—whatever the cause, prolonged listening fatigues and irritates. People unconsciously recoil from such voices, and speakers blessed with them must work twice as hard to be heard fairly.
Tuneless
Tuneless voices lack any particular grace or charm. They do not offend, exactly, but they command no attention. Words spoken in a tuneless voice seem to slide off listeners’ ears unregistered, as though the voice itself refuses to carry their import.
Average
Average voices are serviceable and unremarkable. They carry words adequately, rising and falling with normal inflection. Listeners hear them without distraction, for better or worse. Most folk possess such voices.
Melodious
Melodious voices are a pleasure to hear. They possess natural warmth and carry persuasive power. A melodious speaker is readily believed; a melodious singer draws audiences willingly. People find themselves wanting to listen, and words spoken in such a voice seem to carry added weight.
Dulcet
Dulcet voices are rare gifts—so beautiful and rich that they seem almost uncanny. They draw listeners as honey draws bees. A dulcet voice can sell goods that should not sell, persuade hearts that should resist, and inspire passion. People are often more swayed by the voice than by what is actually said.
In Practice
When a merchant calls out his wares in the marketplace, the jarring voice’s words seem harsh and unwelcome, and few approach his stall. The tuneless voice goes unheard in the general noise. The average merchant’s cry blends into the market’s noise. The melodious voice stands out pleasantly, and customers pause to listen. The dulcet voice stops traffic—people abandon their business to hear it, and the merchant’s ordinary cloth becomes suddenly desirable.