Why do we sound strange on a recording?

Answer each question with 2–3 sentences.

1. Do you like the sound of your own voice?
2. Have you ever heard yourself on a recording?
3. What did you use to do when you were a child?
4. Do you speak quickly or slowly?
5. Do you ever whisper or mumble?
6. What are you still getting used to in life?

Read each word and the example. Then say a sentence about your voice.

Choose the word that fits.

1. I listened to a of my own voice.
2. Her voice has a high .
3. Please turn down the ; it's too loud.
4. You can feel the in your throat when you hum.
5. Sound travels to the ear through the air and through the .
6. Sound move through the air.
7. I when I hear myself on video.
8. Don't ; speak clearly.

Choose the right answer, then press Check answers.

1. volume is how
   old a sound isloud a sound ishigh a sound is
2. pitch is how
   loud a sound ishigh or low a sound islong a sound is
3. to whisper = to speak
   very loudlyvery quietlyvery slowly
4. familiar =
   very strangevery smallwell known
5. an echo is a sound that
   never stopscomes backis very high
6. awkward =
   extremely louduncomfortable and embarrassingvery expensive

Use these phrases to talk about habits.

• I used to hate my voice.Раніше я ненавидів свій голос.I used to hate my voice, but now I'm fine with it.
• I'm used to hearing...Я звик чути...I'm used to hearing myself on video.
• I'm getting used to...Я звикаю до...I'm getting used to speaking in public.
• When I was a child, I would...Коли я був дитиною, я часто...When I was a child, I would sing in the car.
• It sounds higher than I expected.Звучить вище, ніж я очікував.My voice sounds higher than I expected.
• It feels awkward when...Мені незручно, коли...It feels awkward when I hear myself.
• I never used to...Раніше я ніколи не...I never used to record my voice.
• It takes time to get used to it.Потрібен час, щоб звикнути.It takes time to get used to a new accent.

Read the text. Hover over the dotted words for help.

1. We hear ourselves only through the air.
   TrueFalse
2. A recording catches only the sound that travels through the air.
   TrueFalse
3. Other people hear a voice that is closer to the recording.
   TrueFalse
4. The text says the recorded voice is a completely different voice.
   TrueFalse
5. Many people say they get used to it after a few times.
   TrueFalse

1. Have you ever recorded yourself speaking English? What did you notice?
2. How could a recording help you improve your English?
3. What do you want to change about the way you speak?
4. Do you think we judge other people's voices too quickly?

Common mistakes: used to + base verb, but be used to + -ing. ✗ I'm used to speak → I'm used to speaking. ✗ I didn't used to → I didn't use to.

1. I
   used towould
   have a very high voice.
2. When I was a child, I
   would singwould to sing
   in the car every day.
3. I'm used to
   hearinghear
   myself on video.
4. She got used to
   liveliving
   in a big city.
5. He
   didn't used todidn't use to
   like his voice.
6. Did you
   used touse to
   record yourself?
7. It takes time to get used to
   speakingspeak
   in public.
8. My voice
   is used toused to
   sound lower.

Each sentence has one mistake. Type the correct words.

1. I used to speaking quickly. →
2. She didn't used to like her voice. →
3. I'm used to hear myself. →
4. When I was a child, I would be very shy. →
5. He got used to live alone. →
6. Did you used to record yourself? →

Answer in detail. Use used to, would and be used to.

1. What did you use to do on weekends when you were a child?
2. What are you used to doing every morning?
3. Is there something you are still getting used to?
4. How did your voice or accent change as you grew up?
5. What do you dislike hearing in a recording of yourself?
6. What advice would you give someone who is afraid of speaking in public?

Three people have different relationships with their voices. Compare them. Who has changed the most? Who is most used to speaking in public? Which person is most like you?

Your teacher will time you.

1. Plan for one minute, then speak for one or two minutes.
2. Part 1: how you spoke as a child and what you used to do.
3. Part 2: what you are used to doing now, and what you are getting used to.
4. Part 3: what you would like to change about the way you speak.

1. Do you like the sound of your voice?
2. Have you ever recorded yourself?
3. What did you use to be afraid of when you were a child?
4. How did you use to speak English a few years ago?
5. What are you used to doing every day?
6. What are you still getting used to?
7. Do you speak quickly or slowly?
8. Do you ever whisper or mumble?

1. Who in your family has a very recognisable voice?
2. Who used to sing to you when you were small?
3. Whose voice do you like most?
4. Who do you know that mumbles?
5. Who used to tell you stories?
6. Who do you always listen to carefully?

1. Should schools teach people how to use their voice?
2. Is a nice voice important for a job?
3. Do we judge people by their accent?
4. Would you be happy to hear your voice on the radio?
5. Can a voice show our feelings?