The Role of Vocal Persona in Natural and Synthesized Speech

Abstract

The inclusion of voice persona in synthesized voice can be significant in a broad range of human-computer-interaction (HCI) applications, including augmentative and assistive communication (AAC), artistic performance, and design of virtual agents. We propose a framework to imbue compelling and contextually-dependent expression within a synthesized voice by introducing the role of the vocal persona within a synthesis system. In this framework, the resultant 'tone of voice' is defined as a point existing within a continuous, contextually-dependent probability space that is traversable by the user of the voice. We also present initial findings of a thematic analysis of 10 interviews with vocal studies and performance experts to further understand the role of the vocal persona within a natural communication ecology. The themes identified are then used to inform the design of the aforementioned framework.

To be published in the proceedings of the 17th IEEE International Conference on Automatic Face and Gesture Recognition as part of the Workshop on Socially Interactive Human-like Virtual Agents (SIVA '23)