How to Not Sound Zesty + Expert-Backed Vocal Tips

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Voice & speech coach Patrick Muñoz shares tips for deepening your voice

Co-authored by Patrick Muñoz and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: February 4, 2026 Fact Checked

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• Vocal Techniques
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• What does “sounding zesty” mean?
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• Is it okay to “sound zesty”?

|Show more |Show less

Looking for a way to sound less “zesty” and control your voice? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing the best vocal techniques to lower your pitch and sound more resonant, with tips from voice & speech coach Patrick Muñoz and communication coach Kamryn Reynolds. We’ll also explain what “sounding zesty” even means, plus cover whether it’s okay to sound zesty, or if it's something you should worry about. (Spoiler: it's totally fine to sound “zesty”!)

Best Tips to Stop Sounding Zesty

Voice & speech coach Patrick Muñoz recommends breathing deeply, relaxing your throat, and opening your mouth to deepen your voice. He says a higher voice is often caused by constriction. Here are more tips to stop sounding “zesty” or nasally:

• Speak from your chest rather than your throat.
• Practice speaking with a downward inflection.
• Slow down your speech to lower your pitch.
• Use direct language and avoid filler words.

Steps

Section 1 of 3:

Vocal Techniques to Stop Sounding Zesty

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1. 
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   Speak from your chest to reduce breathiness. Instead of speaking from your throat, speaking from your chest can help you sound less nasally. You can do this by making sure your breath is supported by the diaphragm—place your hand on your upper chest or collarbone, then speak or hum to feel for vibrations. This will help produce a more resonant, grounded sound that feels connected to your torso.

   • Start speaking at your lowest comfortable range rather than forcing any sound. Your voice should feel solid but not tight.

   Meet the wikiHow Experts

   Patrick Muñoz is a voice & speech coach based in Los Angeles, CA. He was voted LA’s Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE and is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies.

   Kamryn Reynolds is a communication coach based in Tampa Bay, FL. He is also the founder of Articulate Advantage, helping professionals speak with power, clarity, and confidence.
2. 
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   Breathe deeply, relax your throat, and open your mouth. According to Muñoz, breathing, relaxing, and opening up your mouth can help deepen your voice. Oftentimes, a higher voice is caused by constriction, so relaxing your throat can make it sound more rounded, resonant, and deeper. He calls this method B.R.O., which stands for “Breathe, Relax, and Open up your mouth.”

   • Muñoz also recommends exercises to relax your throat, such as yawning, opening your mouth wide from top to bottom, and practicing tongue twisters.
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   Practice speaking with a downward inflection. Inflections are incredibly important to sound more commanding, according to Reynolds. He says, “An upward inflection is like a question mark, while a downward inflection is a command.” To practice this, consciously lower your vocal pitch at the end of sentences rather than letting it rise. You can also pause before the final word or phrase to ensure your voice dips down.

   • “Recording yourself and listening back” can also help improve your speech, says Muñoz.
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   Slow down your speech to lower your pitch. “You don’t have to be constantly talking at a rushed rate,” says Muñoz. Speaking more slowly allows your vocal cords to relax, vibrate at a lower frequency, and produce a fuller, less nasally sound. Pausing between sentences can also help calm your nervous system and lower your voice naturally!

   • According to Muñoz, speaking more slowly and deliberately can help you reduce filler words, too.
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   Use direct language and remove filler words. “Sounding zesty” isn’t just about your vocal pitch and tone—it’s about what you say, too! An easy way to sound more commanding is to avoid fluffy language and get straight to the point. You should also make an effort to limit your use of filler words, such as “um,” “uh,” and “like.” In the moments you're about to say “um,” get comfortable with silence, advises Muñoz.

   • Instead of saying “This latte isn’t my cup of tea,” for example, you could just say, “I hate this latte.”
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Section 2 of 3:

What does “sounding zesty” mean?

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1. 
   “Sounding zesty” means speaking in a stereotypically feminine manner. In Gen-Z slang, the term “zesty” refers to a male who acts or speaks in a stereotypically feminine way, and it’s often used as a synonym for “fruity” or “gay.” Sounding zesty, therefore, typically means having a nasally, higher-pitched tone or speaking in a flamboyant manner.

   • According to TikTok, sounding “zesty” can also refer to men saying sexually suggestive things.
   • For example, this viral TikTok from @22tanas pokes fun at NYC lingo for sounding zesty, highlighting phrases like “jack me or clap me.”

Section 3 of 3:

Is it okay to “sound zesty”?

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1. 
   Yes, it’s perfectly fine to “sound zesty” or speak in a higher pitch. There’s nothing wrong with sounding “zesty,” especially since it suggests you’re very lively and expressive. That said, it’s totally valid to feel upset if someone comments on your voice or labels you “zesty” (or another term you don’t identify with). If you’re feeling insecure, you can practice the vocal exercises above to adjust your tone and cadence.

   • Keep recording yourself and practicing until you sound the way you want to. Remember, it’s totally possible to change the way you speak and sound, just like actors do for roles.
   • But if you like your voice, don't feel pressure to change it based on the opinions of others. What's most important is being (and sounding like) yourself!
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