Politics

Could the Pitch of Romney’s Voice Win Him the Nomination?

How do you decide if a political candidate is trustworthy and competent? Usually it’s a matter of their position on various issues. But what if there were more subconscious factors influencing your decision, like the pitch of his or her voice?

Study of Pitch Shows Lower Voices Are Perceived as More Trustworthy, Competent

(AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

Recent research found lower voices were more likely to be perceived as stronger, suggesting a need for more understanding about how our biology may influence our decisions at voting booths. Live Science reports that Casey Klofstad, a professor of political science at the University of Miami, with colleagues from Duke University conducted a study involving fictional candidates who were recorded saying the phrase “I urge you to vote for me this November.” Candidates included both men and women whose recorded pitch was manipulated to create both a higher and lower sound. From there, the researchers had 210 participants listen to the voices and decide who sounded stronger and more competent. The team also split up listeners, having 83 listen only to men‘s recordings and 83 listen only to women’s.

Live Science has more on the findings:

The final experiment shed some light on why voters might have leaned toward deep-voiced speakers. In general, deeper voices were viewed as stronger, more trustworthy and more competent than their high-pitched counterparts. There were some gender differences in this perception. For example, both men and women thought that lower-voiced women were stronger, more trustworthy and more competent.

But for male candidates, the gender split was a little different. Women weren’t any more likely to see a lower-pitched man as strong, competent and trustworthy than they were a higher-pitched man. But men were.

“They find lower-voiced men to be stronger and more competent,” Klofstad said.

The reason may be that men are evolutionarily attuned to judge other men’s status, Klofstad said, a remnant of male-to-male competition.

Study of Pitch Shows Lower Voices Are Perceived as More Trustworthy, Competent

Republican presidential candidate Rick Santorum. (Photo: AP/Eric Gay)

Klofstad points out that this was not a real-world experiment, and therefore we can’t pre-judge if pitch will really influence this year’s Republican nomination. He does think that pitch should be added to the list of influential factors though, which includes things like position on the issues and appearance. As Malcolm Gladwell points out in his book “Blink”, for example, we are innately prejudiced to choose taller men, as opposed to those shorter in stature, for major positions such as CEO of a company.

Study of Pitch Shows Lower Voices Are Perceived as More Trustworthy, Competent

Republican presidential candidate Ron Paul. (Photo: AP/Charlie Riedel)

What’s needed next are real-world experiments involving pitch and political candidates, according to Klfostad:

“While we are free to make our own choices at the polls, our study suggests that these choices can’t be fully understood until we account for how our biology influences our perceptions,” he said.

Study of Pitch Shows Lower Voices Are Perceived as More Trustworthy, Competent

Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich (Photo: AP/David Goldman)

Klofstad said if these findings do hold in real-world situations, it could mean that it would be harder for women to get elected as their voices are naturally higher than those of men.

Comments (69)

1 2
  • sonnetswan
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 10:08am

    I’m not a lemming. I voted for Ron Paul.

    Report Post » sonnetswan  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 4:19pm

      Romney is good looking…. and so is Obama
      Romney has perfect Hair…. and so does Obama
      Romney is a good family man…. and so is Obama
      Romney looks Presidential….. and so does Obama ( no tie no coat collar unbuttoned blue jeans) yeah!
      Romney Stutters….. So does Obama
      Romney Reads off the Teleprompter….. So does Obama
      Now Romney Sounds Presidential…… So does Obama
      RomneyCare….. ObamaCare

      Three Conservative things Obama has done.

      1.
      2.
      3.

      Three Conservative things Romney has done.

      1.
      2.
      3.

      Romney’s biggest selling points.

      1. He spent his life in the private sector… Not true…. 4 years in public sector. My life – 4 years.

      2. Romney is a good business man…… So is:

      Bill Liberal Gates
      Warren Liberal Buffett
      Steven Liberal Spielberg

      Being a good business man doesn’t make you conservative… It does not make you conservative.

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • mrdrawingguy
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 8:13pm

      Right on!… :)
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ86Bd4Xfcc

      Report Post » mrdrawingguy  
  • MirabellaDesign
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 10:07am

    Just another thinly veiled pot shot at Ron Paul… I would vote for Donald Duck if he ran on Dr. Pauls’ small government plank… stop drinking the kool aid, even if its in a pretty lil Glenn Beck dixxie cups.
    They rest are all progressives in conservatives clothes…no matter how deep their voices!

    Report Post » MirabellaDesign  
  • WithoutGuile
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 10:04am

    Seriously… is this some type of attempt to make me question my support for a candidate. He has the best hair, the deepest voice, he looks presidential? How about this… I’m voting for Mitt Romney because he is the best candidate, the most qualified, the most experienced and has the least time in Washington DC and the least personal need to be there.

    Furthermore… I am voting for him because of Romney Care…not in spite of it. Because if every state had been pro-actively working to solve the very broken health care system and issues in their own states(As the constitution allows and even directs) if they had all been doing this then the FED would have no reason to even get involved. Let me be very clear here… I’m not for a mandate…but I am for the constitution and states rights. When Obama care is repealed… we will still have a very broken and expensive medical system… each state will then need to craft a solution. So far only one has attempted this in an effort to thwart the Fed…and that was under the leadership of Mitt Romney.

    Report Post » WithoutGuile  
  • altannt
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 9:48am

    This has nothing to do about this story but I can’t find it on the blaze. All other sites drudge, town hall ect. Have a story that Santorum has said that he will take all porn off the internet. Now I’m not a fan of these sites but, I think this comes under freedom of speech so just how would he do this and what else does he have in mind to get rid of? Why has the blaze not carried this story? Come on now the truth lives here?

    Report Post »  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 11:44am

      Good For Santorum! I’m All For It!

      I’m Using MY FREEDOM OF SPEECH To Tell You:
      Back To Your Filth and The Dark and Dank and Dastardly BHO Swamp!

      You Are Nothing But Another Fluke!
      ALL Of You Little Flukes Are BHO Pawns!
      You Flukes Use Your Freedom To Choose BHO As Your Pimp!
      You Whore BHO’s Unconscionable Atrocities On Every “Street Corner.”

      HEAR FREEDOM RING, TROLL:
      Get Out Of Here! You and The Immorality You Rode In On, Scram!

      NEWT 2012
      http://www.newt.org

      Report Post »  
  • layla
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 8:37am

    no matter what the pitch, it wouild be nice to hear a little truth for a change.

    Report Post »  
  • bruce_baker
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:56am

    Listen closely to my voice. You are getting sleepy. You will fall into a deep sleep. When you awake you will remember nothing of our conversation, but will have a deep desire to vote for someone who will make you feel better about yourself without really changing anything important. You will awaken when I say, “Government is just glorified business, anyway! Why can’t we cherry-pick which parts of the Constitution we want to acknowledge?”

    Report Post » bruce_baker  
  • bruce_baker
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:47am

    God help us, it would. We would really rather have Paul McCartney for President than George Washington. George would tell us the truth. Perhaps Americans are mindful of their weak hearts and they fear they wouldn’t be able to stand the shock the truth would bring after so long a steady diet of duplicity? That’s the only explanation I can come up with for the fact that only 10% of us “get” Ron Paul and what he stands for.

    Report Post » bruce_baker  
    • justangry
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 8:10am

      I think most are victims of the media’s attempt to derail his campaign. Keep the faith, brother. We‘re growing in number despite their efforts to shut us down and don’t let them convince you that we only represent 10% of the population either.

      Report Post » justangry  
  • Independent4ever
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 7:03am

    In other words, voters are just plain ignorant when comes to voting for a candidate based on issues. They would rather skip the research and vote for someone based on appearance and the sound of a voice rather than the person who has the best ideas.

    People with influence have contributed to this shallow thought process. Rush Limbaugh has no problem making fun of Ron Paul’s voice; Limbaugh can be very shallow and bias and this behavior may seem funny at times but I seriously believe it is doing more damage than good for our society. It is one thing to point out what you don‘t like about a canddate’s pollitical stance and it is another thing to degrade someones physical attributes. Limbaugh himself has been attacked for his physical appearance from the likes of Maher, Olbermann and others. Chris Christi has been made fun of because of his weight. I am not a fan of Chris Christi for a number of reasons but I think it is wrong to attack him for his weight. Many people with influence talk ugly and then turn around and talk about Christianity. Really?

    Report Post »  
  • Minstrel333
    Posted on March 16, 2012 at 12:21am

    I was thinking about the voices of the candidates a while back…
    Romney always sounds digital/synthetic
    Paul sounds like an older female
    Santorum sounds most “normal” to me…
    Gingrich sounds high and nasal…

    Report Post »  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 1:19am

      Look at these headlines above the comments.

      Palin hearts Newt. Really?

      Gingrich Falls Asleep as AIPAC, Wakes Up More Than a Little Confused

      Gingrich Sued Over using Eye of the Tiger Song in Campaign

      Wild Video: Crowd Curses at Gingrich Heckler Druing FL Campaign Stop

      Market Recap: Stocks Up on Housing Goldman Sachs

      Nice Job Beck…. You won’t mention the Bishop and Soros Backing him but you still have to trash Gingrich.

      Lets all say it together… ~ Keep your hands off my ROMNEYCARE ~

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • MS-GlenNBC
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 1:26am

      Despicable Beck The articles change but not to anti Romney they change from Anti Gingrich to more Anti Gingrich. now we have added this article.

      Are Newt’s Past Infidelities Really News? His Former Colleague says Yes…

      Mark Levin Pointed out………

      If Romney was a STRONG candidate it would not matter that Gingrich was in the Race….

      Report Post » MS-GlenNBC  
    • RJL
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 6:10am

      Looks like Mr. Deep Voice Romney wins again. I know I’m now convinced by “the Voice”…..huh?

      Report Post »  
    • Stuck_in_CA
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 8:06am

      Shalow people vote for shallow reasons. Romney has nice hair. Santorium is a great family man. By those standards, who in the world could ever vote for a guy with a pot belly and white hair?
      Experience, qualifications, vision be damned!!!

      Report Post » Stuck_in_CA  
  • DividedWeFail
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 8:23pm

    Obama and Romney have low pitched voices – enough said

    Report Post »  
  • AmazingGrace8
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:30pm

    It is getting pretty entertaining to watch & listen to the liberals when asked a straight-forward question. They “all” have that ‘spitting-sputtering-stall-skip-a-rope-and then into “low-gear-2nd-3rd-4th-shift into high-gear and have “that-look”….it is kind of a sick looking-hound-dog look-big-pupils-lying through-their-teeth-and they are thinking..am I getting away with it? And if they are challenged….the dog-earred-playbook really goes into high gear…racist etc.. Obama reminds me of the 2-3 yr old that has two responses…“I want to do it myself” and “Mine”. Hanging-by-a-thread=The Constitution and this country is not his! At least not yet! Screw-it..I AM A FREE WOMAN and Obama or anyone-else will NEVER TAKE THAT AWAY FROM ME…my last words will be FREEDOM!
    John B, Speaker of the House, has the best voice. A president’s voice? DON’T LIE TO THE AMERICAN PEOPLE..if the words “flow” without a telepropter, like Benjamin N…..now that is a leader! Heart & soul and cares about his people & country! BO shows “artificial love” to his followers and DISTAIN for the rest of us. Doesn’t bother me in the least….BO is a loser! I didn’t vote for him..Dr. Laura’s classic-line to an unhappy spouse, “Well, YOU married him/her”.

    Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 6:39pm

      Thats why i vote on principles… so i will never have to say to myself “Well, YOU voted for him”

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:13pm

      @amazinggrace
      When you say the Constitution is “hanging by a thread,” what do you think it will take to save it?

      Report Post »  
  • soybomb315
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:14pm

    yes yes – we all know how the average dumb american (and some republicans) will vote for somenoe based on looks, hair, clothes. Now add voice octave to that list….Those of you who vote for romney based on those things are no different than the idiots who voted for obama based on ‘change’

    Some of us prefer to vote on candidates based on their positions, courage, honesty, history, and understanding of the constitution. In my estimate, manchurian mitt FAILS at least 3 of those 5 qualifications

    Report Post » soybomb315  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:27pm

      If Ron Paul looked and sounded like Romney this would be over already.

      Report Post » martinez012577  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:36pm

      agreed – without the flip flops of course

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Wolf
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:02pm

      EXACTLY right, Soy- and that’s why Mittens will get the vote. People don’t care about character if they look and sound good.

      Report Post »  
  • youdidthis
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:07pm

    flip floppin mitt
    disgraced speaker newt.
    bs buddy santorum.
    just arrest the illegal pos criminal.
    hang him and others.
    any of these become president, you can kiss this country fluken goodbye.
    more wars , more of the same.

    to the people of the world , the us govt has been taken over.
    the poser’s in control are war criminals. a major threat to all humanity.
    please forgive our people, we have been controlled and manipulated.
    our constitution is being destroyed as we speak. the usa is dying,
    it’s people are being poisoned and drugged by big pharma and big govt.

    there are forces at work with all govts. they are trying to control the world and it’s population.
    if we do not come together …billions of people will perish.

    do not accept any medication or food from the any group, agency representing the criminal govt.
    the aid is laced with poisons , toxins .
    ex:gmo foods , innoculations. 1001 side effect pills.
    only accept aid that is directly given from the us people.

    look around at what happens after all the assistance?
    more deaths, more diseases, more starving people.

    i call upon all that are tired of the pre-planned wars , the starvation , the desperation, the death
    to throw off the chains of gov’t bondage and accept that we are of one world and free…
    until that is done, more will die…

    until all are awake…this bs will never stop.

    drakkhan lord …sovereign citizen and a free man.

    Report Post »  
  • fiapoliticofoi
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:46pm

    Ridiculous article…it’s about JOBS, JOBS, JOBS!!!

    Mitt 2012!

    Report Post » fiapoliticofoi  
    • justangry
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:58pm

      I think it’s about freedom.

      Report Post » justangry  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:16pm

      if you want a government politician to give you jobs – then what you want is somewhere between a technocrat and a dictator. No thanks

      Government, leave me alone

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • martinez012577
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:29pm

      @fia

      The Russians during communist times had jobs. I would rather go back to the Constitution and have freedom and jobs. Mitt is not for the Constitution so I will pass.

      Voting for freedom 2012. Ron Paul!!!!

      Report Post » martinez012577  
    • justangry
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:39pm

      Would you have gone and seen Braveheart if he said, “You may take our lives, but you’ll never take away our jobs”?

      Report Post » justangry  
  • LeadNotFollow
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:27pm

    …
    I‘m not concerned with Mitt Romney’s voice.
    I can’t get past his very dark hair, with the white temples.
    His hair looks so fake. That color is too dark for him.
    A 65 year old man, should be going with a lighter hair color.
    Sometimes he looks like he has a black cat curled up, sleeping on top of his head.

    Report Post »  
  • JL9999
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:47pm

    Mitt Romney has a broadcaster’s voice. He could do voice-over in commercials and be sensational. So could Barack Obama. Newt can’t unless he was selling squeaky toys for three year olds. Rick has that average man’s voice. He coud sell lawn mowers and paint. Stuff that either a man or woman would use. I am not saying Rick is gender non-specific, just aveage and maybe a bit whiney, kind of like the guy with a long list of Saturday honey do’s and a noon tee time.

    Report Post »  
    • AhLeahIris
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 4:07pm

      Fortunately, I don’t vote based on voice. Frankly, most broadcasters make me ill, so sounding like one isn’t going to help with me. That said, Romney has other issues: http://wp.me/p2filR-2Xc

      Report Post » AhLeahIris  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:22pm

      it is like everyone just forgets…
      we do have video and records.

      cannot believe the sheep.

      Report Post »  
    • HighStandards
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 3:27pm

      My son 10 yr old was confused that this broadcaster had the same voice as the last broadcaster that was on. He said “how did they do that?” Too funny

      Report Post »  
  • rsownbey
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:35pm

    I have been watching MITT Romney since he entered the 2008 GOP campaign and I have to tell you, I LOVE this man! He is smart, honest and can explain and comprehend things in an instant. I really think that based on his business, family and faith that MITT ROMNEY is the most solid American we could have in the White House.

    Obama has been a disaster! He and his liberal media have many americans blinded. He is telling people that everything is fine and the weather forecast in America is Sunny and Bright. However, when I look outside I see darkened skys, storms and disaster. What do you see?

    Report Post » rsownbey  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:18pm

      how did you like his explanation in 2009 regarding how it would be a great idea for the government to require all americans to buy health insurance?

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • Mary M. Tebbe
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:36pm

      rsownbey: First, I see shallow people who vote on the basis of the sound of one’s voice and other stupid reasons. They have no depth of understanding then. President Abraham Lincoln had a high pitched voice. Look what the Country would have missed if people had voted on that alone.
      What do I see when I look at Romney? I see a PROGRESSIVE/moderate (some might even say a LIBERAL)/rhino. I see a flip-floppin’, tell you what is convenient for winning candidate. I see Romneycare, and think that this man who helped contribute to Obamacare‘s birthing isn’t really going to get rid of this plague on America and the taxpaper. Above all, I see a cul***tist who cannot tell the difference between the REAL WORD OF GOD and a hoax called the book of mor***mon. You, rsownbey said Romney is smart and comprehends things in an instant…sorry, I can’t see that. You see, I did not take anyone’s word about mor***monism, I read the book of mor***mon for myself, and what I found was a complete fairy tale. I found names and places that cannot be verified by historical account. I found directions given as north, south, east, west…that’s all. These are not the words of a BIGOT. They are the words of a seeker. Jesus is quoting Scripture word for word after his ascension, before Scripture was written. Baptism practiced before it was ever heard of, and so much more. American Indians savages, even though Nephites and Lamanites were here??? I simply read fiction.

      Report Post » Mary M. Tebbe  
    • thegrassroots
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 8:14pm

      @rsownbey

      I too have been watching Romney since 2008.
      Back then I knew he was a Mormon and I didn’t care.
      Romney caught my attention and red flags went up when a reporter asked him about his Mormonism and he back-peddled and distanced himself from his beliefs.

      As time went on and Huckabee, who is a Christian, was openly talking about his Faith and people liked it — ONLY THEN, Romney started talking a little bit more about Mormonism.

      And — I Have Watched Romney Flip and Flop and Test The Wind Direction and Fire His Smear Guns All The Way To Today!

      IF A Person Won’t Be Open and Honest About His Core Beliefs —
      That Person Won’t Be Open and Honest About AnyThing!

      Finding Out, During This Run For The White House, That Romney‘s A Mormon Bishop and Still Wasn’t Open About His Beliefs In 2008 Says A Lot About The Kind Of Person He Is.

      Romney’s Not A Man Of Fearless and Bold Integrity!
      Romney’s Lacking A Moral Compass!
      Romney’s Modus Operandi Is: “The End Justifies The Means!”

      NEWT 2012
      http://www.newt.org

      Report Post »  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on March 16, 2012 at 9:45am

      If it ends up being Obama vs.Romney…I’ll surely be pulling for Romney.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
  • Itsjusttim
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:16pm

    Yeah that’s a sure way to know people are becoming more ape-like when they are motivated by the tone of a voice. It’s funny to watch women croon and get shivers when they listen to the sound of a deep voice.

    Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:17pm

      At least women become motivated, but a lot of men become defensive, because they know an Alpha male just entered the room.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:25pm

      So apparently they are saying that Mitt Romney because of his tone and pitch has a good chance of being President of the apes.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • Itsjusttim
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:29pm

      I can’t take part in an ape-election, because I’m a man.

      Report Post » Itsjusttim  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:29pm

      am with ya tim.

      Take Your Stinkin’ Paws Off Me You Damn Dirty Ape!
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJT2vJMsYc4

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 7:26pm

      @ITSJUSTTIM
      in the time it took you to write that – you could have voted for ron paul

      Report Post » soybomb315  
  • riseandshine
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:15pm

    I cheated. I just chose the candidate who I would trust most to honor his sworn oath.

    riseandshine  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:02pm

      …preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
    • justangry
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:08pm

      Ron Paul, eh?

      Report Post » justangry  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:15pm

      that dam constitution keeps getting in the way…

      only one man following the constitution.
      ron paul.

      the rest …worthless shills for the un, nwo etc.

      Report Post »  
    • soybomb315
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:21pm

      HA! what, are you living in the 1700s – why not vote for the best looking guy? sure, we will end up in crushing debt and piss off every country in the world – but its party time baby

      Report Post » soybomb315  
    • riseandshine
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:26pm

      @Just Angry…..Yes sir.

      Report Post » riseandshine  
  • cemerius
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 3:05pm

    Hmmm is that you “deep voice” you have those tapes again?

    Report Post » cemerius  
  • Gonzo
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:54pm

    OK, his record doesn’t inspire me, his inevitability argument doesn’t inspire me, so now I should be inspired by the pitch of his voice? I guess defeating Obama will have to be my inspiration.

    Report Post » Gonzo  
  • JimL
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:41pm

    Patton, little voice, bold leader.

    Report Post »  
  • Anonymous T. Irrelevant
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:41pm

    In that case, maybe James Earl Jones should run. I think it is because the deeper the voice, the more testosterone the giuy has, meaning he has big cahones.

    Report Post » Anonymous T. Irrelevant  
    • youdidthis
      Posted on March 15, 2012 at 5:36pm

      barry white…just use his records
      be just as effective. be alot of amorous people around.

      Report Post »  
  • lukerw
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:35pm

    Does BS have a Tone or Rhythm? What is IQ Level required to be a Professor? How Intelligent are We?

    Report Post » lukerw  
  • Chuck Stein
    Posted on March 15, 2012 at 2:34pm

    Looks like Barry White has a future in politics.

    Report Post »  
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