I have just been reading about some interesting research over at the BBC web site.

The research was conducted by linguist Andrew Linn of Sheffield University and sound engineer Shannon Harris and commissioned by Post Office Telecoms. It claims to have found the mathematical formula for the perfect human voice, based on a combination of tone, speed, frequency, words per minute and intonation.

According to the study, the best female voice is a mixture of Mariella Frostrup, Dame Judi Dench and Honor Blackman, whilst the best male voice is a mixture of Alan Rickman and Jeremy Irons.

Linn and Harris concluded that the ideal voice should utter no more than 164 words per minute and pause for 0.48 seconds between sentences. Sentences themselves should fall rather than rise in intonation.

Vocal traits associated with positive characteristics, such as confidence and trust, scored highly with listeners.

Prof Linn says in the article:

"As humans we instinctively know which voices send shivers down our spine and which make us shudder with disgust.

"The emotional responses panellists had to the voices were surprising and go some way to explaining how voiceover artists or radio DJs are selected, or why particular celebrity voices appeal."

He said most men found presenter Mariella Frostrup's voice "mesmerising" because it was deep, slow and confident.

So Mariella's voice is hypnotic - in case you didn't already know that.

I'd like to read more about how this research was conducted. As a hypnotherapist, I find the effect of the voice and sound on the human brain fascinating and I've recently been researching and preparing some exciting new audio products that make use of this kind of information. 

This study strongly suggests that, if you want to gain someone's attention and trust at a subconscious level, it's important not to speak too quickly and to use falling intonation. So have fun with that idea, next time you need to persuade someone of your point of view!