What is the approximate ratio of PEP-to-average power in an unprocessed single-sideband phone signal?

In a single-sideband (SSB) transmission, the RF power output directly tracks the audio input. Because human speech contains many high-amplitude peaks separated by quieter vowel sounds and pauses, the Peak Envelope Power (PEP) is significantly higher than the average power. For a typical, unprocessed human voice, the widely accepted ratio of PEP to average power is about 2.5 to 1. This means if your voice peaks at 100 watts PEP, the average power heating up the amplifier or being radiated is only about 40 watts. This is why operators often use speech processors. A processor compresses the audio, reducing the peaks and raising the quieter sounds, effectively lowering this ratio and increasing the average talk power without exceeding the transmitter's peak limit.