Two recent University of Miami research studies suggest that politicians with deep voices are more likely to win an election than candidates with higher-pitched voices. "With one exception: when running against a female opponent, candidates with higher voices were more popular, especially if they were men," according to Scientific American.
The researchers note that a preference for leaders with deeper voices may be the result of so-called "cavemen instincts." A deep voice is associated with high testosterone, physical strength and aggression. And way back when, those qualities were probably attractive in a leader. High-pitched voices also are thought to convey negative emotions, such as stress and fear.
"Deep Voice Gives Politicians Electoral Boost" (SciAm)
"Candidate Voice Pitch Influences Election Outcomes" (Political Psychology)
"Perceptions of Competence, Strength, and Age Influence Voters to Select Leaders with Lower-Pitched Voices" (PLOS One)
