diff --git a/static/skald.js b/static/skald.js
index 12013ea..b8ac96d 100644
--- a/static/skald.js
+++ b/static/skald.js
@@ -1839,14 +1839,14 @@ function setUserStatus(id, elt, userinfo, notify) {
         elt.classList.add('user-status-raisehand');
         elt.setAttribute('aria-label', `${username} (hand raised)`);
         if(notify && !wasRaised) {
-            announceUrgent(`${username} raised their hand`);
+            announceUrgent(`${username}: hand raised`);
             playNotificationSound('hand-raised');
         }
     } else {
         elt.classList.remove('user-status-raisehand');
         elt.setAttribute('aria-label', username);
         if(notify && wasRaised) {
-            announceUrgent(`${username} lowered their hand`);
+            announceUrgent(`${username}: hand lowered`);
             playNotificationSound('hand-lowered');
         }
     }