Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Interesting observation. I haven't noticed it yet, as I only watch network news about twice a month (I'm a cable news and our local SF Fox-channel news person) so haven't seen Tom for well over a month.Now that you have mentioned it, I'll watch and pay attention. I figure one of the things SD has done for me is "tuned my ear" (gosh, too bad I didn't go into Speech Pathology); but, of course, none of us can dx. Two things on this: #ONE is that most voices break-down as we age, just like the rest of the body, and it's probably just the "voice-getting-old syndrome." We SD'ers voices broke down earlier for reasons other than aging (check out all the info on Julie Andrews and what she went through, as a vocal performer, having to use the most intense power of her voice...and then having problems). #TWO is that Tom Brokaw has a lifelong speech impediment. In listening to him, he has trouble with vocalizing "L's." A good friend of mine has the same problem (but he's not a news anchor) so I've always been very impressed with Tom in holding down a network news anchor-position with a limited ability to vocalize "L's." Thanks for the tip-off. Statistically, it's more likely something else other than SD is going on (like nodules, which are common with people like Tom and Julie) but I'm fascinated by all elements of voices so I'll check it out too, just to listen. --Lynne (AD/SD; Northern California)
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Yes, I've noticed the same thing... it's been going on at least since the 9/11 news reports, that's when I noticed it first. Sounds strangled to me, but pretty well camouflaged. Like Lynne said, it could be a number of things. I have to say, he still has a great voice, not as great as James Taylor, but pretty close.
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Yes, I have noticed the "strangled" sound of Tom Brockaw's voice. It has been apparent to me for quite some time, much before 9/11. Some family members and friends have also called this to my attention.
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Well, THIS is going to be an interesting experiment, with all of us listening to Tom. As mentioned, I don't watch him much and don't remember the last time I did and, over all these years, I've just been paying attention to those "L's" or lack thereof. If he does have SD, I sure feel for him (as we all would) because becoming a news anchor with an early speech impediment was already something to overcome.Now that you mention it, Lucy, I don't even know what network he's on. The only thing I remember about him recently is that Anthrax letter but I heard all that on cable news. Is it NBC? I'll check. If he's on tonight, I guess we can all get back together tomorrow to compare notes. --Lynne
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Yes, Lynne, it is NBC. Let us know what you think.
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
Have not heard Tom's speach recently, but wonder (if true)if this could be a twisted bit of good fortunate for the rest of us. My point being that Michael J. Fox came down with Parkinson's disease and now there is a bigger "fuss" around that condition. If Tom develops SD, he could put it on the map and maybe get some much needed research funding to find a cure or at least better treatment options.I obviously hope not for his sake, but...
John
Re: Tom Brokaw and SD?
I've also noticed something about his voice...sounded muffled or garbled. But not like SD, I don't think.I'll have to listen more closely next time. Jill
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