Annoying NPR voices

[Empress of Groovy 373]

I listen to NPR nearly every day. Because I work from home and spend a lot of time by myself during the day, the radio sort of functions as company, and NPR always has an interesting story or interview. I also appreciate NPR's dispassionate delivery of news (i.e., not being yelled at like I'm some sort of moron).

But there are two "voices of NPR" who drive me nuts: Michele Norris and Peter Overby. Michele Norris is on daily during the week. She sounds like she's about to swallow the microphone. I can hear the saliva shifting around in her mouth when she's about to speak. The tone of voice she uses reminds me of someone auditioning for a phone sex operator job. She's clearly going for the quintessential "smooth" radio voice, but something about it sounds forced and almost obscene, like she's trying to seduce the audience with her smoothness and saliva.

Peter Overby literally makes me cringe. He speaks in a sort of nasally monotone and sounds like he is wearing a dental appliance supported by a lemon half wedged into each cheek. Thankfully, I don't hear him much, and usually on the weekend.

Is anyone in agreement?

[Nagishkaw 510]

Girl, you are sooo funny! But yes, you are right about Overby.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Girl, you are sooo funny! But yes, you are right about Overby.

I'll go online and Google search for a photo to match the voice. Peter Overby either has his mouth wired shut or he's got something seriously wrong. Karl Castle is also a bit odd sounding.

Peter Overby

Frank Stoltz has a great voice though.

Edited November 20, 2007 by Mister Fancypants

[Alex+R 0]

Old thread, but holy sh!t. Michele Norris needs to realize that she's not special, her name is Mih-chele, just like everyone else with a name spelled that way. That name pronunciation is really what gets me.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

Old thread, but holy sh!t. Michele Norris needs to realize that she's not special, her name is Mih-chele, just like everyone else with a name spelled that way. That name pronunciation is really what gets me.

I was thinking about that this morning during the Democratic debate.