TED: Remaking my voice | Roger Ebert

The speaker shares their journey of losing the ability to speak due to cancer surgeries and adapting to using computer-generated voices for communication. They discuss the emotional and identity challenges faced, the technological advancements that have enabled them to communicate, and the creation of a personalized computer voice. The narrative reflects on the role of technology in human communication and ends with a humorous take on artificial intelligence.

What was the primary reason the speaker had to rely on a computer voice?

• To sound more like a famous actor

• A personal choice to sound more articulate

• Surgeries for cancer affected the ability to speak

• To improve public speaking skills

Who played a significant role in supporting the speaker during the surgeries?

• A close friend

• A medical professional

• The speaker's wife, Chaz

• A fellow patient

What was the speaker's experience with the first surgery?

• It was a complete failure

• It was initially successful but later complications arose

• It was postponed indefinitely

• It was successful without any issues

What was a major limitation of using computer voices according to the speaker?

• They were too fast

• They lacked emotional connection

• They were too expensive

• They were not available online

How did the speaker initially communicate after losing the ability to speak?

• Through sign language

• Using hand gestures

• Through a translator

• By writing messages in notebooks

What was the speaker's initial reaction to the idea of creating a personalized computer voice?

• Confident it would work

• Indifferent

• Excited and eager

• Against it, finding it creepy

What was the speaker's concern about using a voice that was not their own?

• It was not available in their language

• It was difficult to understand

• It was too expensive

• It created a disconnect from their identity

What technological advancement does the speaker credit for enabling better communication?

• The creation of television

• The development of the internet

• The invention of the telephone

• The discovery of radio waves

What humorous test does the speaker propose for computer voices?

• The Voice test

• The Humor test

• The Uber test

• The Turing test

What does the speaker reflect on regarding the evolution of technology?

• It has happened rapidly and is unimaginable

• It has been slow and steady

• It has remained unchanged

• It has made life more complicated