The impact of remote communication on voice characteristics in children

The impact of remote communication on voice characteristics in children has not been extensively explored. The study examines the production of fundamental frequency, vocal intensity, and smoothed cepstral peak prominence in speech of 16 children [mean age = 10.1 yrs, standard deviation (SD) = 1.6 yrs] during two in-person and two remote sessions, order counterbalanced. All voice characteristics were significantly higher in children's utterances during remote compared to in-person communication. Session type, intensity, and fundamental frequency predicted an increase in smoothed cepstral peak prominence values. The findings suggest that children modify their vocal behavior to meet the communicative demands associated with remote interaction.