Mr. Page, though he sounds a little stiff, plays his part like a good sport.

It sounded stiff, not like he wanted it to sound.

What comes across is a spoken version of a written communication; the words tend to sound stiff and formal.

"I'm feeling much better," I said, trying very hard not to sound cold and stiff.

If you play the music as written, it can sound stiff.

They made a positive identification this morning: His voice sounded stiff and uncomfortable.

Compared to his easy tone, she sounded stiff and hostile.

His voice sounded stiff and cold to his own ears.

Her voice sounded stiff and formal as she spoke.

The performance is not entirely successful, sounding stiff at times.