In today's dynamic financial landscape, investors are constantly looking for a competitive edge to gauge a company’s performance and future stock returns. Traditional metrics, like revenue growth, are now insufficient in the face of rapid market fluctuations. Instead, investors are turning to alternative data sources to glean valuable insights.  

One such method is to measure the vocal cues of CEOs and other executives on corporate earnings calls. (Yes, investors are doing that.)  

In this video, Blake Steenhoven, assistant professor of accounting at Smith School of Business, explores the fascinating realm of vocal cues analysis as a predictor of managerial efficacy and investor response. He unpacks how subtle nuances in pitch, intonation, volume and speech rate can be analyzed and, ultimately, how they affect investment decisions and influence market outcomes.  

Steenhoven also examines the balance between managing emotional expression and maintaining authenticity in professional communications, explaining that it’s a complex interplay between emotional control and perceived competence and trustworthiness.