Infographic: 30% Is What You Say, 70% Is How You Say It

Humans react faster to sound than any other stimulus. It affects how we perceive the people and world around us in persuasive ways. But it’s not just what we say that makes an impact—it’s how we say it. Take “Uptalking”—raising up the intonation on the final syllable—most popularized as Valley Girl speak. While it may sound cool or endearing, it turns out that Uptalking and its opposite, “Vocal Fry”—the low, vibratory sound at the end of sentences, can damage your credibility. Ladies beware: this affects you most. This infographic looks at the origins, effects and remedies for these popular speech habits.