Phonetics is the study of human speech. It covers pronunciation and accent, but a more [?] and very [?] branch of phonetics concerns tone of voice or voice-quality.

Voice-quality is something rather [?] from accent. Accent concerns the way in which you pronounce [?] sounds in a language. Voice-quality is about the [?] impression your voice makes on other people about your mood or your [?] character. Is the voice [?], [?], [?], [?], [?], [?], [?], etc? Everyone has their "[?]" voice-quality, and it's one of the most [?] things about them. Most people can recognise a friend's voice immediately, even when it's [?] over the telephone. It is part of their personality. In English, there are several voice-stereotypes. A deep, breathy voice in a woman is felt to be [?] and [?]. A high-pitched voice with very [?] articulation is often felt to be [?] of academics and priests. A loud voice, coupled with precise and [?] speech is often felt to be [?].

Perhaps because of this, for people in [?] life, voice-quality can be a very important part of their image. People with [?] or [?] voices sometimes take steps to improve matters. It is well-known that Margaret Thatcher took voice lessons to give her naturally rather high-pitched and harsh voice a softer, deeper quality to make her seem more [?] and [?].

The quality of voice changes according to mood. Someone who is very [?] will use a bigger range of pitch. His or her very high notes and low notes will make the excitement [?] to a hearer. A [?] person will use a [?] pitch range, and will probably not speak very loudly or quickly. His or her voice will sound [?] and "[?]". Someone who is [?] may tend to speak more loudly, quickly, and distinctly. Tension or fear can make the voice tremble.

It is very [?] for someone who is [?] or excited to control voice-quality and hide their emotions. Perhaps that is why so many people hate the telephone. They would much rather write a message, especially when there is something embarrassing or unpleasant to discuss.