Abstract: The current research explored the correlation between speakers’ personality traits and speech spectrums of the same phoneme during different emotional states. 45 subjects completed a 16PF personality test, and then gave feedback on false results of personality test, describing their feelings at the same time. Their responses during different emotional states were recorded. Frequency and bandwidth of the former three formants of the consonant /Sh/ were analyzed by Praat voice software; results showed that the emotion’s effect is already significant on the consonant /Sh/, although its average duration is just 0.14 seconds. In addition, their variation from a neutral emotional state to a positive emotional state were significantly correlated with speakers’ Emotional Stability and Social Boldness. Speech spectrum parameters were significantly correlated with some of speakers’16PF personality traits during the associated emotional state, especially with Social Boldness and Sensitivity which are significantly correlated with individual’s emotional and interpersonal communication behaviors. Furthermore, the correlation varies between speakers’ different emotional states and response type. The results of this research indicated the possibility of detecting speakers’ personalities through their speech spectrums.

Key words: speech spectrum, personality traits, emotional state