How to Fix a Monotone Voice: A Voice Coach's Guide to Vocal Variety
Does your voice sound flat, emotionless, or stuck on one note? If you've been told you speak in a monotone or you simply feel your voice lacks colour, you're not alone. The internet is full of quick fixes and judgements like “monotone delivery = communication killer.” But is that fair? And more importantly: can it be changed?
What Does 'Monotone Voice' Actually Mean?
‘Mono’ means one. ‘Tone’ refers to vocal pitch or expression. So a monotone voice is one that lacks pitch variation—it sounds emotionally flat or stuck on a single note.
But here’s the truth: not all monotone voices are boring, and not all expressive voices are effective.
Case in point: Sam Harris, bestselling author and podcaster, often speaks in a monotone style. Yet millions listen to him. His voice may be steady, but his clarity, content, and calm delivery are compelling.
Monotone voices can also signal confidence, calm, or depth. Some studies suggest that men with flatter vocal delivery are perceived as more attractive or authoritative. Lifestyle blogger Kiri Nowak even wrote about embracing her monotone voice despite societal pressure to sound "cheerier."
So let’s reframe the question:
Do you need to eliminate your monotone voice? Or just learn how to use more vocal variety when it matters most?
Why Do Some People Speak in a Monotone?
Monotone speech can be influenced by:
Habit: Long-standing patterns of speaking
Upbringing or culture: Learned vocal norms
Psychological factors: Social pressure, trauma, or emotional inhibition
Lack of awareness: Not noticing a lack of vocal colour
According to voice experts and psychotherapists alike, your vocal habits can reflect deep-seated beliefs about whether or not you’re "allowed" to express yourself.
But here’s the good news: vocal habits are not permanent. With the right practice, you can bring your voice to life.
What Doesn’t Work
Many blog posts suggest things like:
"Read this line happy, now read it sad."
"Role play with a script."
"Express your feelings more."
For many monotone speakers, these suggestions feel vague, emotionally vulnerable, or simply unhelpful.
The real issue isn’t feeling enough emotion—it’s translating that emotion into vocal expression.
Practical Exercises for How To Correct A Monotone Voice
These voice-coach-approved exercises are designed to build vocal expression from the inside out.
1. Highlight & Glide – The 'Vocal Highlighter' Exercise
This method helps you learn how to pitch up and down on important words.
How to practice:
Choose a short piece of text.
Highlight or underline the most important words in each sentence.
Above each, draw a small arch (∩) to represent a pitch glide.
Speak the sentence aloud, sliding your pitch up and then down slightly on each highlighted word.
Example: “I’m sliding ↑up↓ and sliding ↑down↓ in pitch.”
Start slowly. Yes, it might feel weird at first—because it's different. But weirdness is often the first step toward change.
2. Pitch Practice with Personal Relevance
Once the glide feels more natural, apply it to text that means something to you:
A work email
A paragraph from a favourite book
A topic you love
Relevance makes it easier to feel connected, which makes pitch modulation more intuitive.
Goal: Match meaning with vocal movement.
Common Mistake: Thinking Pitch Is Just High or Low
Pitch variation isn’t binary. It includes:
Micro-tonal shifts
Subtle rises and falls
Crescendos (gradual build-ups)
You don’t need to sound like a theatre actor. You just need to communicate contrast: what’s important vs. what isn’t.
Think of your voice like a highlighter pen—you’re choosing what to bring forward.
Why It Feels Strange at First
If you’ve spent years speaking in a monotone, any change will feel “not like you.” But remember:
Your current voice isn’t fixed
Expressiveness can become your new normal
Just like learning to dance or play an instrument, voice work feels mechanical at first. With practice, it becomes natural.
Rule: You must be willing to feel unnatural for a while in order to sound more natural later.
Why Coaching Helps
Many clients say, “I know what I want to sound like—I just can’t make it happen.”
That’s where coaching bridges the gap. A trained ear can:
Pinpoint what’s holding your voice back
Design personalised exercises
Help you overcome fear or awkwardness
If you want a nudge in the right direction, learn more about coaching here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is having a monotone voice bad?
Not inherently. It depends on your goals and how your message is being received.
Can I sound more expressive without sounding fake?
Yes. Good voice work is about authenticity, not performance.
How long does it take to fix a monotone voice?
That varies. With regular practice, noticeable changes can emerge in a few weeks.
Is voice expression something you’re born with?
Partly. But much of it is shaped by habit, experience, and awareness.
Final Thoughts
If you want to add more variety to your voice, don’t aim for dramatic transformation overnight. Start with awareness. Practice gliding on key words. Choose material that resonates with you. And most of all, be patient with the process.
Want a guide? Let’s work together to find your expressive, authentic voice.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, authentic, and confident communication.