The Importance of The Voice – Celebrating The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II is an important figurehead for Britons and a contributing individual to Great British culture.

Her voice makes her almost instantly recognisable to many people around the world- speaking with received pronunciation and an extremely formal English accent. 

Queen Elizabeth II has been the queen since 1956, but over her 70 years on the throne, how much has her voice changed?

As the queen’s Platinum Jubilee approaches, we wanted to take a look at how much her voice has changed over the course of her 70-year reign.

The research comes from customer management experts CallCare, who analysed a number of her majesty’s speeches to determine the importance of the human voice. 

The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast,1952

“Television has made it possible for many of you to see me in your homes on Christmas day.”

This is one of the queen’s most memorable speeches, her first-ever Christmas broadcast. Introducing our list, the queen’s first speech saw the queen have a speech speed of 89 words per minute (wpm), an articulation rate of 121 wpm, and a voice depth of 198 Hz. 

State Opening of Parliament, 1960

“My husband and I look forward eagerly to the series of visits we shall make next year in the Commonwealth where we shall renew and extend the friendships which we value so very highly.”

Here, the queen delivered a speech to open the parliamentary year in front of the House of Lords and House of Commons. The queen had a speech speed of 117 wpm, an articulation rate of 158 wpm, and a voice depth of 247 Hz.  The slower speech speed and slight variation in tone could be due to the serious nature of the speech.

The Queen Honours President Kennedy, 1965

“This acre of English soil is bequeathed in perpetuity to the American people in memory of President John Fitzgerald Kennedy, who in death my people still mourn and in life they loved and admired.”

This speech took place after the death of President John F Kennedy as she walked to his memorial stone. The speech saw the queen have a speech speed of 102 wpm, an articulation rate of 141 wpm, and a voice depth of 281 Hz. This speech would have been watched by various people around the world, so the queen would have had to ensure her understandability- her lowered speech speed supports this.

The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast, 1991

“In 1952, when I first broadcast to you at Christmas, the world was a very different place to the one we live in today.”

The world wasn’t the only thing that changed. The queen’s 1991 broadcast saw the queen have a speech speed of 103 wpm, an articulation rate of 142 wpm, and a voice depth of 246 Hz. Her overall speech and articulation rate has significantly increased here, with her voice depth slightly decreasing.

The Queen’s Christmas Broadcast, 1996

“To look back is not necessarily to be nostalgic.”

This Christmas broadcast saw the queen have a speech speed of 101 wpm, an articulation rate of 142 wpm, and a voice depth of 195 Hz. Following a similar trend to her 1991 broadcast, it is evident that the queen’s overall words per minute have gradually increased as the years have passed.

Diana’s Death, 1997

“Since last Sunday’s dreadful news, we have seen throughout Britain and around the world, an overwhelming expression of sadness of Diana’s death.”

Following the deeply tragic event of Princess Diana’s death, this speech by the queen was certainly a difficult one to watch. The queen’s speech speed decreases here to 85 wpm – accompanied by an articulation rate of 120 wpm, and a voice depth of 213 Hz. The decrease in speech speed is evident of the sad nature of the speech itself.

The Queen’s Mother’s Funeral, 2002

“Ever since my beloved mother died over a week ago, I have been deeply moved by the outpouring of affection which has accompanied her death.”

Another upsetting speech, the death of the queen’s mother was an upsetting event for everyone around the world. This speech saw the queen attain a speech speed of 98 wpm, an articulation rate of 154 wpm, and a voice depth of 188 Hz. This speech also maintains a slower speech speed, reflecting the upsetting nature of the speech.

The Queen’s 80th Birthday Speech, 2006

“As one gets older, birthdays seem to come around quicker. They are therefore less obviously excuses for wider celebration, than personal moments to count one’s blessings.”

A lighthearted, funny, and charismatic speech, the queen’s 80th birthday speech showcased a speech speed of 100 wpm, an articulation rate of 140 wpm, and a voice depth of 208 Hz. This speech is certainly a lot more upbeat and playful, which is supported by the queen’s increased articulation rate and voice depth.

The Queen’s Speech to Parliament, 2010

“My lords and members of the house of commons. My government’s legislative program will be based upon the principles of freedom, fairness and responsibility.”

The queen displays a speech speed of 101 wpm, an articulation rate of 164 wpm, and a voice depth of 201 wpm. Holding similarities to the last speech, the queen’s age could be a contributing factor here.

The Queen’s COVID-19 Broadcast, 2020 

“We will be with our friends again. We will be with our families again. We will meet again. But for now, I send my thanks and warmest good wishes to you all.”

Following the outbreak of COVID-19, the world was in a very dark place. It was only a matter of time before the queen delivered a speech to address the nation. The queen had a speech speed of 119 wpm, an articulation rate of 175 wpm, and a voice depth of 213 Hz in this speech, sharing similarities with the previous two speeches. The Queen’s voice played an important role here, helping to lead the nation during a tumultuous time.

The Queen Delivers Her First Christmas Day Message Since the Death of Prince Philip, 2021

“Although it’s a time of great happiness and good cheer for many, Christmas can be hard for those who have lost loved ones. This year especially I understand why.” 

In a sad but comforting speech, the queen delivered her first Christmas message following the death of her husband to the nation. The queen shows a speech speed of 108 wpm, an articulation rate of 155 wpm, and a voice depth of 171 Hz. Decreasing even further, the queen’s voice depth here is the lowest we will see in this list. Accompanied by a difficult year for the entire country, the passing of Prince Philip certainly wouldn’t have been easy for the queen. Her significantly decreased voice depth shows us that the subject matter is a contributing factor.

CallCare’s research shows that it is important to communicate clearly, effectively, and politely.  For businesses, it is essential to take careful consideration in utilising voices in order to make a human connection. 

Gemma Harding, Head of Client Services at CallCare said: “The Queen’s speeches over the years show us how the way we speak can convey different messaging. We can vary our speech speed, articulation and pitch depending on who we are talking to and what we are talking about. The fact that we have these variations is what differentiates us people from AI, and businesses should continue to champion the ‘human touch’. “

“In fact, our research shows that 56% of respondents preferred speaking to customer service agents with a formal tone and 49% of respondents suggested that clear pronunciation is a contributing factor. Improving the way your business communicates is one of the best ways to establish a better connection with customers.”