You can't beat a sexy voice

Voice coach Laura Spicer says the power of the voice should never be underestimated and, if you're willing to put in some practice, you may find it can get you anything you want. 'Communication in any situation is divided into three things; 55 per cent is how we look when we say it, 38 per cent how we sound and just seven per cent is the content itself.'

Research has shown we sound sexiest after an orgasm and first thing in the morning because our vocal tract is relaxed

And without knowing it, we often make judgments based on voices. 'If you see me wearing jeans you may think I look nice or too casual. Either way, you consciously notice yourself thinking this. At the same time you're judging my personality based on my voice. You probably won't know you're doing it, making the voice an even more powerful tool.'

In Spicer's experience, most men like women to have breathy tones (think Marilyn Monroe) and women like deep, powerful ones (try Sean Connery). 'Men try too hard to have a deep voice but end up sounding monotone, which is boring. Humans like tunes and tones because they convey feelings. Even in the womb, we pick them up through our mother's voice and music,' she says. Instead, concentrate on variation: 'Always change your pitch, pace and volume. It will make you seem more interesting.'

Another tip is to pay attention to the person you're trying to impress. 'Take note of the rate they speak at. If they speak slowly and you talk quickly, they may find the speed hard to process and will quickly lose interest,' says Spicer.

If you really want to notch up your prowess, you just need to relax. Research has shown we sound sexiest after an orgasm and first thing in the morning because our vocal tract is relaxed. 'If your voice is stuck in your throat or nose, it will turn people off. Instead, let it come from your stomach,' says Spicer. 'State and mood are contagious and however you feel comes out in your voice.'

Read on >>