Have you ever noticed a creaky, low-pitched vibration at the end of someone’s sentence—almost like their voice is running out of battery? That’s vocal fry, a speaking habit that’s been the subject of much debate in the worlds of media, communication and professional presence. 

While it’s not harmful to your vocal cords when used sparingly, vocal fry may affect how you’re perceived in presentations, meetings, and leadership conversations. Like all vocal patterns, it sends messages to your audience, some of which you may not intend. 

So, what is vocal fry, and why does it matter for your professional presence? 

What Is Vocal Fry? 

Vocal fry (also called pulse register phonation) occurs when the voice drops into a low register, creating a creaky, gravelly sound. Technically, it happens when your vocal cords are loose and vibrate slowly, usually at the end of a sentence when breath support is low. You’ve probably heard it most famously in podcast hosts, reality TV stars, and pop culture personalities. 

It is a misnomer that vocal fry can hurt your voice, and when used as a vocal technique it can be a good exercise for people who have breathiness in their voice. There are many singers who use vocal fry successfully in their performances – it is all about using it sparingly as a tool rather than an overuse without training which can negatively affect your voice.  

Everyone can use vocal fry. It’s not gender-specific, though it often gets disproportionately associated with women. That is a conversation about bias—the key here is understanding the impact vocal fry has on your communication. 

View tips and techniques to manage vocal fry: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr54lC9Dh7c

Why It Matters in Professional Communication 

In settings where you’re aiming to project confidence and authority – such as leading meetings or pitching ideas – vocal fry can work against you.  

• It can signal uncertainty or disengagement. Because vocal fry often happens when energy drops, it can make you sound less confident or even bored. 
• It diminishes vocal clarity. That gravelly tone can make it harder for your audience to follow your message, especially in virtual settings where sound quality is already compromised. In addition, in the English language typically the important words occur at the end of a sentence. By dropping these key words, your message may be misinterpreted.  
• It may undermine perceived credibility. Studies have shown that speakers who consistently use vocal fry are often rated as less competent, less trustworthy, and less educated—especially when compared to speakers who use a more resonant tone. 

Does that mean you should panic every time your voice gets a little creaky? No. And it does mean you should notice it—and get curious about your vocal patterns. 

What to Do Instead 

The goal isn’t to sound robotic or theatrical. It’s to find your authentic, confident voice—one that supports your message and your presence. Here are a few alternatives and habits to build vocal strength and clarity. 

1. Breathe for support. 

Vocal fry often appears when you’re low on breath. Practice breathing from your diaphragm and speaking on a full breath of air. That simple shift can energize your voice and help you sound more grounded and present. 

2. Aim for vocal resonance. 

Try speaking in your “chest voice,” where you feel the vibration in your sternum or upper chest. This creates a richer, more resonant tone than vocal fry’s scratchy register. It’s often the voice we use when we speak from passion or urgency. 

3. Use intentional pitch variation. 

Monotone delivery (or speaking too low in your range) can invite vocal fry.  Vary your pitch slightly to emphasize key points and keep your voice dynamic.  A voice with natural highs and lows feels more engaging and less fatiguing. 

4. Emphasize, don’t trail off. 

If you tend to let your sentences fade into vocal fry, practice ending your thoughts with strength and volume. 

5. Pause. 

At the end of each sentence, try a clean stop and breathe, rather than letting your voice drop and drag. Pauses also give your audience time to absorb your message—and give your voice time to reset. 

5. Practice out loud. 

Much of our vocal behavior is unconscious. Record yourself during a rehearsal or presentation and listen back with curiosity. Do you notice vocal fry creeping in at the end of phrases? Where does your voice feel strongest? Awareness is the first step to making a change. 

Voice Is a Choice 

Like body language and word choice, your voice is a powerful tool in shaping how others experience you. Vocal fry isn’t inherently “bad,” though it’s worth noticing when it shows up—especially if it’s taking energy away from your message or making you sound less connected. 

The goal isn’t to sound like someone else. The goal is to sound like the best, clearest, most confident version of yourself.