Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is being considered to lead the Department of Health and Human Services, has a very distinct voice. When he talks, you’ll notice a shaky raspiness that comes with his words. Former NPR host Diane Rehm faced the same issue—but chose to continue her radio show, On My Mind, despite her diagnosis in 1998.
Both have a rare speech disorder called spasmodic dysphonia. The treatable, but not curable, condition affects the vocal cords, according to the Cleveland Clinic. It can cause your voice to break, sound tight, strained, strangled, or very breathy.
