There are several factors that can contribute to the perceived "softness" of a female voice compared to a male voice. One factor is the size and shape of the vocal cords. In general, female vocal cords are smaller and thinner than male vocal cords, which can produce a higher-pitched and softer sound.


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Another factor is the amount of laryngeal cartilage that a person has. This cartilage helps to support the vocal cords and can affect the tone and timbre of the voice. Male voices tend to have more laryngeal cartilage, which can contribute to a deeper and more resonant sound.

Hormonal differences

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Hormonal differences can also play a role in the perceived softness of a female voice. During puberty, the production of hormones such as testosterone can cause the larynx (voice box) to grow and the vocal cords to lengthen and thicken, which can lead to a deeper and more masculine-sounding voice.

Finally, cultural and societal expectations can influence how a person's voice is perceived. In many societies, a softer, more feminine-sounding voice is often seen as more desirable for women, and this can shape the way that women speak and the way their voices are perceived by others.