Judgments of Vocal Quality,Speech Fluency,and Confidence of Southern Black and White Speakers

Abstract

The present study was concerned with comparative judgments of vocal quality, speech fluency, and confidence of black and white speakers in southern universities. Specific objectives were to determine whether the following were related: (1) perception of vocal quality and judgment of confidence in the voice, (2) quality and fluency, (3) speech fluency and judgment of confidence; and to ascertain the differences between black and white speakers in vocal quality, speech fluency, and confidence. Stimuli were taken from a short passage read by 25 Negroes and 25 Caucasians. Using a seven-point scale, the following results were obtained: (1) the 50 speakers were correctly identified as to race by a majority of 36 listeners; (2) vocal quality and speech fluency were both perceived to be significantly better for white speakers; (3) confidence as perceived in the voice was also significantly better for white speakers; (4) relationships between all combinations of quality, fluency, and confidence were significant.

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