Here’s an exercise that blends music (in 3 of the 4 samples) with writing. NPR is hosting its 4th write-in that asks listeners to describe several famous voices.

How would you describe the voices of Mick Jagger, Eleanor Roosevelt, Barry White, and Luciano Pavarotti?

Let’s have fun with this writing exercise:

1) Listen to each sample at the Web page linked above.

2) As you listen to a sample, jot down descriptive words. I tried to jot words that describe the vocal qualities (bold, masculine, raspy…), and then tried to craft those into a metaphor. But, if a suitable metaphor occurs, jot it down.

3) Now, try to craft your impressions into striking metaphors, that means rejecting or recrafting any cliched or common metaphors that came to mind.

When you get a chance, post your descriptions at NPR’s site, and please post them here, too!

Here are my rough attempts:

Mick Jagger – A jaw proudly tilted through breathy, country diction.

Eleanor Roosevelt – Competent, but her breathlessness and high pitches betray insecurity.

Barry White – His raspy masculinity never misses.

Luciano Pavarotti – Accurate and bold; like a high-performance race-car.