Ideas change everything

Synthetic voices, as unique as fingerprints

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Rupal Patel |

TEDWomen 2013

• December 2013

Many of those with severe speech disorders use a computerized device to communicate. Yet they choose between only a few voice options. That's why Stephen Hawking has an American accent, and why many people end up with the same voice, often to incongruous effect. Speech scientist Rupal Patel wanted to do something about this, and in this wonderful talk she shares her work to engineer unique voices for the voiceless.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

Many of those with severe speech disorders use a computerized device to communicate. Yet they choose between only a few voice options. That's why Stephen Hawking has an American accent, and why many people end up with the same voice, often to incongruous effect. Speech scientist Rupal Patel wanted to do something about this, and in this wonderful talk she shares her work to engineer unique voices for the voiceless.

Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

Sign up to donate your voice to those with speech impairments.

About the speaker

Speech scientist

See speaker profile

People relying on synthetic speech use the voice they’re given, not their own. Rupal Patel created the vocaliD project to change that.

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How to donate your voice

Since her talk, the speech scientist has seen an incredible response to her project. Here, she explains why it's important to share your voice — and how you can do so.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

Sign up to donate your voice to those with speech impairments.