Even the most accomplished singers can sometimes fall into the trap of speaking in unhealthy or unattractive ways. As I say on my website, your voice is your calling card. Perhaps it makes even more of an impression than your physical appearance. So much information is carried through your speaking voice. Here are some concepts to learn about speaking: 1. Know what "key" you speak in. Okay, maybe not what key, but certainly what range is comfortable for you. Make sure you talk in the middle of your comfort zone. We all mimic the sounds we grow up with, but as adults we must dissect these sounds and make sure they're pleasant. Make sure that when you're introduced to someone and you make small talk, that your voice is smooth, rich, and confident. We don't want anything fake - no ultra low voices, unless that comes naturally to us. 2. Women, we need to remember that we don't need to speak in a high voice to be feminine. Find that mid-range and use it. Speak into a tape recorder or go to a vocal coach and make sure your voice is not unnaturally high (or low, for that matter). 3. Guys, too often I'm in a restaurant and there's some voice from the corner that's booming. Don't be that man. We sometimes use that voice in a crowd in order to be heard - but it's not necessary. I advise people who sing or speak for a living to stay away from noisy night spots completely. 4. We can all hear when someone's voice sounds "pinched." That comes from unsupported breath and from trying to project the voice using only the larynx. Sometimes, though, we can't hear it when we do it ourselves. Get out that tape recorder and make sure your speaking sound is open and round. 5. Don't yell without breathing first. It's an eccentricity that can keep your voice healthy. You can't just walk into your house and yell "Honey I'm home." You need to walk into your house, put down your stuff, breathe from the diaphragm, and let the "Honey I'm home" resonate as it flows from your personal sound system. For one thing, the sound will carry farther. And for another, you will be a lot less annoying to your Sig.O. 6. When you speak, even if it's just at the dinner table, be aware of inflection and dynamic. Don't drone. Vary your pace. Use your pauses effectively. And make eye contact! I'd love your feedback. Just click the "Contact Us" button under "Navigation" to the right. |
