This week’s lectorial on the elements of sound, in particular timbre, got me thinking about just what it is about some voices that make them more or less enjoyable to listen to than others.

99% Invisible is a podcast I should love. As a former designer myself I have a sharp appreciation for the tiny, seemingly insignificant details that designers spend hours upon hours slaving to get perfect. The hidden complexity of everyday life is fascinating, and indeed so would the podcast dedicated to finding and explaining that complexity — except for one thing.

I can’t stand Roman Mars’ voice. It’s literally the only thing stopping me from listening to the show. He gets so close to the microphone and has an irritating half-whisper that sounds like he’s doing a voiceover for a late-night phone sex commercial, but apparently a lot of people find it soothing and therapeutic. Judge for yourself:

By contrast, Zoe Chace has worked on Planet Money and This American Life and is often said to possess one of the most annoying voices on radio — but she’s easily one of my absolute favourite presenters. She has an unusual combination of timbre, accent and vocal fry that for some reason I just love — I recognise that her voice probably isn’t the most suited to traditional ideas of news/economics reporters, but perhaps that’s part of why I like it so much.

I still don’t really understand the mechanics of vocal timbre, and why exactly I find some voices irritating and others irresistible, but it’s interesting to note just how much of a difference it can make.