Say THIS using different voices
Say the word "THIS" using different voices: whisper, loud, high, low, robot, and excited; record or perform to explore vocal expression.
About this activity
Say the word "THIS" using different voices: whisper, loud, high, low, robot, and excited; record or perform to explore vocal expression.
What you need
Step by step
- 1
Step 1
Choose a quiet spot to practice.
- 2
Step 2
Bring your mirror and any props to the spot.
- 3
Step 3
Stand in front of the mirror.
- 4
Step 4
Take three deep breaths to relax your voice.
- 5
Step 5
Whisper the word "THIS" three times with a very soft voice.
- 6
Step 6
Say the word "THIS" loudly three times with strong energy.
- 7
Step 7
Say the word "THIS" three times in a high squeaky voice.
- 8
Step 8
Say the word "THIS" three times in a deep low voice.
- 9
Step 9
Say the word "THIS" three times like a robot using short clipped tones.
- 10
Step 10
Say the word "THIS" three times with big excited energy and a smile.
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Step 11
Choose your favorite version from the ones you just tried.
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Step 12
Perform your favorite version for a friend or record it if you want.
- 13
Step 13
Share your finished recording or a description of your favorite performance on DIY.org
Fun facts
How do you play the "Say THIS" voices game?
To do this activity, start by gathering children in a quiet space and explain you'll say the word "THIS" using different voices: whisper, loud, high, low, robot, and excited. Demonstrate each voice once, then have the child copy or improvise. Encourage repetition, asking them to add feelings (happy, scared) or use props. Optionally record with a phone or tablet so kids can watch themselves and compare voices.
What materials do I need to try the "Say THIS" voices game?
All you need is a safe space and a willing voice. Optional materials: a phone or tablet to record, headphones, a small prop 'microphone' (real or homemade), a mirror for facial-expression practice, a printed list of voice prompts, and a timer. Use soft cushions or an outdoor area to avoid disturbing others. No special materials required, so it’s low-cost and adaptable.
What ages is the "Say THIS" voices activity suitable for?
This activity suits ages 3 to teens. Preschoolers (3–5) enjoy simple whisper and loud versions and need adult guidance for volume. Primary children (5–8) can try high/low and robot voices and enjoy recording. Older kids and teens (9+) can experiment with character voices, pacing, and editing recordings. Adjust complexity and supervision for each age and monitor shouting to protect young voices.
What are the benefits and safety tips for the "Say THIS" voices game?
Playing with voices builds speech, listening, emotional awareness, breath control, articulation, creativity, and confidence. Recording lets children self-evaluate tone and pace and practice storytelling or performance. Safety tips: avoid prolonged shouting, keep volume reasonable, take vocal breaks, and get permission before recording others. Encourage kind feedback and make it a fun, pressure-free experience to boost self-esteem.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use if we don't have a mirror or special props called for in the instructions?
If you don't have a mirror or props, use your phone's front camera or a shiny spoon to stand in front of while you practice and a stuffed animal or household object as a prop and use your phone to record.
I'm having trouble changing pitch or my voice feels strained during the whisper/high/deep/robot steps—what should I try?
If your voice strains or you can't change pitch during the whisper, loud, squeaky, deep, or robot exercises, pause and repeat the 'Take three deep breaths' step, stand in front of the mirror to watch your mouth shape, and record short attempts on your phone to compare and rest between tries.
How can this activity be adapted for much younger children or older kids?
For toddlers, simplify to two versions (soft whisper and big excited) and use a favorite toy as the audience while standing in front of the mirror, and for older kids add vocal warm-ups, character backstories for each voice, or record a multi-voice performance to share.
How can we extend or personalize the activity after choosing our favorite version to perform or record?
After choosing your favorite version, personalize it by adding props or a costume, writing a short two-line script around the word 'THIS', filming different camera angles, and uploading the final clip or a description to DIY.org.