Creating a dating profile is no easy task – and now, apps and websites are upping the ante by encouraging users to show off their voices to potential suitors.
The idea of recording a voice note might fill you with dread – and there’s a fine line between interesting and ick-inducing – but adding your voice to your dating profile is a great way to encourage more swipes. In fact, 21% of daters believe they can tell more about someone by the sound of their voice over simply looking at a picture.
According to Hayley Quinn, dating expert for Match, a voice note can help you stand out among a sea of matches.
She tells Metro.co.uk: ‘When it comes to attraction, your tone of voice can be your superpower in creating the spark.
‘You can short circuit first date awkwardness by communicating who you are using voice notes. Not to mention using the feature is a great opportunity to show off an attractive accent.’
Hayley shares her advice on how to create the perfect voice note, as well as the ick-worthy pitfalls you should definitely avoid.
Be positive
Anyone who’s been on a dating app will know that you have to kiss a few frogs to find your prince, but try not to be too down on dating.
Hayley says: ‘You want to avoid being negative in your voice note.
‘It’s understandable that daters might want to say something like “no hookups please”, but instead, try to keep the tone warm and about you.
‘You want a match who’s bothered to actually read your profile, and listen to your voice notes, so make sure that you tell them to “ask me about that time I went to…” to see if they respond to your cue. If they do, who knows, it could be a sign you have a keeper.’
Don’t apologise
When it comes to hitting record, confidence is key. Hayley says: ‘Ban yourself from saying “thanks for taking the time to listen.” Remember, you’re great and your potential date is lucky to have you to listen to.
‘Overly apologetic or self-deprecating statements are more likely to give your matches the ick as it’s a sign of a lack of confidence.’
Don’t flirt too much
We all like a bit of a flirt, but Haley advises that it’s best not to be too keen too soon.
‘Leave the heavy flirtation to one side until you meet in real life,’ she says.
‘Instead focus on expressing confidence and being playful (tell them your favourite joke) to be attractive on a voice note, without overstepping the mark.’
Mind your Ps and Qs
Hayley says: ‘Swearing is likely to be very divisive: a few people may find an outrageous sense of humour funny, but swearing out of anger or disrespect will never be interpreted positively.
‘Match’s recent research also shows that mispronunciation – “pacifically” instead of “specifically” for example – is a huge turn off. Much like spelling errors on your dating profile, it can accidentally make you appear not as smart as you are.’
Don’t panic
Yes, it’s easier said than done, but try to relax.
Hayley says: ‘A good hack to relax is to move around so you’re not getting too in your own head.
‘Also, speak slowly and coherently. When you speak slowly it sub-communicates that you’re not worried that the other person is going to suddenly stop listening.
‘Pausing is a great way to sound more confident and come across as more meaningful.’
Once you’ve taken all of this into account, remember to still be yourself. While it’s not ideal to give potential partners the dreaded ick, it’s even worse to hide your true personality in an effort to avoid it.
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