Why Voices Move Us: A Radio Day Special

The Conception of the Modern Radio

The 19th century was an era of myriad inventions. Early work by scientists like Heinrich Hertz proved the existence of electromagnetic waves. Guglielmo Marconi made a breakthrough in 1895, when he transmitted radio signals over several kilometres. Once it was discovered that electromagnetic waves could transmit signals through air, the idea of the radio was conceived. What began as a basic coded communication between ships and stations soon evolved into voice transmission across different media.

As technology further progressed, radio became more and more accessible and portable. Large receivers were replaced by smaller transistor radios. This made it possible to listen to daily news, entertainment and music while travelling, working, or resting. Over time, radio stations improved sound quality and eventually expanded into digital formats, satellite broadcasting, online streaming, and podcasts.

Despite the many structural changes that the radio has undergone, the essence still remains: to transmit stories through the tool of the human voice. 

The Power of Voice

Among the five primary senses we possess, our sense of hearing holds a lot of significance. Long before we used our ears to listen to music or tuned in to broadcasts, our sense of hearing was essential for survival. Early humans relied on sound to detect approaching predators, shifting environments, or signs of invisible danger. Hearing functioned as an early warning system, constantly active even when our visions were limited.

Over centuries, our primitive survival mechanism evolved into something far more nuanced. Our auditory systems became finely attuned not only to noise, but to subtle differences in tone, pitch, rhythm, and pace. Today, this same biological sensitivity allows us to interpret emotion and intention in a voice almost instantly.

Emotional Connection

Humans respond to voices in ways that go far beyond the words being spoken. Research in cognitive and social psychology shows that tone, pitch, pace, and rhythm influence how we interpret meaning, credibility, and emotion. In many cases, listeners form judgments about trustworthiness and intent within seconds of hearing someone speak.

The brain processes vocal emotion rapidly. Studies using neuroimaging have shown that sound can activate areas linked to emotional regulation and social understanding, sometimes even before any form of conscious analysis occurs. This means that a calm and steady voice can reduce anxiety, while a tense or urgent tone can heighten alertness. These responses are automatic and hence something implemented in radio shows. 

This psychological sensitivity extends directly to the media. Radio, which relies entirely on voice and sound, engages these mechanisms continuously. Without visual input, listeners concentrate more fully on vocal cues. Subtle shifts in emphasis or pauses carry weight. The absence of imagery does not weaken the message. Instead, it can intensify attention to emotion and meaning.

Television also uses voice, but it is paired with visuals. Facial expressions, appearance, graphics, and movement on the screen divide cognitive processing. On the radio, the voice is central and singular. This often creates a stronger sense of direct address, as if the speaker is talking to the individual listener, one-on-one,  rather than to a broad audience of millions of listeners. 

As a result, radio can shape mood, perception, and even belief in ways comparable to television. It informs, persuades, comforts, and influences. The difference lies in how it reaches us. Television engages the eyes and ears together. Radio works almost entirely through the psychology of listening.

Interestingly, repeated exposure to the same voices builds familiarity and trust. Psychologists call this parasocial closeness, where listeners feel they know a host personally. Over time, a familiar voice can offer comfort, companionship, and reassurance, especially during routine or isolated moments. Unlike television, radio’s audio-only format strengthens intimacy and makes these connections feel immediate and personal.

Radio in a Hyper-Digitized World

Even with the overwhelming presence of social media everywhere, the radio continues to be a big part of our daily lives. The audio-only format is highly advantageous. Without overwhelming visuals, listeners get to focus entirely on the voice that speaks, creating an auditory intimacy and trust. A familiar voice can comfort, inform, and engage the audience without competing with images or distractions.

At the end of the day, the radio reaches us in ways our other senses cannot. It sparks our imagination, with the ‘less is more’ principle, and builds connections. This is why it remains and will continue to remain a relevant and powerful tool, even in a hyper-visual world.