Voice represents a powerful indicator of a speaker’s affective state and is also very sensitive to the variations of these states. Recent empirical work has led to a better understanding of the acoustics correlates of the affective vocalizations, based on quantitative measurements. The present study provides a complement by focusing on the qualitative aspects of vocal communication. Our purpose is to create a standardized instrument that can be used by listeners to subjectively evaluate a speaker’s vocal productions. Of major interest is the attempt to find consistent patterns of vocal productions corresponding to specific emotional states. Two pilot studies are presented explaining the development of the qualitative voice scale and the first results of its application. It is suggested that the use of such a tool represent a convenient complementary diagnostic instrument in clinical settings.