I’ve always been a bit unhappy with my voice, an unpleasant nasal tenor that’s prone to cracking at the most unfortunate times (like when I’m trying to make a good impression on people). Can you suggest any exercises or techniques that will help me improve the sound of my voice? I don’t expect any miracles but I’d sure like to have a little more confidence in my public speaking.
Thanks.
Singing is a good exercise. Not something very strenuous–but the next time you take a shower, try singing some songs to yourself and marvel at how kickass the reverb of the bathroom makes you sound.
Could it also be that your voice cracking might be an anxiety-thing? I’ve done amateur acting before–behind a microphone. But whenever I’ve tried to perform on stage in front of people, I end up stumbling over my words.
Try speaking more with your diaphragm instead of your vocal cords.
-Ashley
A small suggestion–I gather that sucking on a lemon just prior to public speaking will help out one’s voice.
Only say things that people want to hear.
You are probably one of those 80 percent of people who fear public speaking more than death. As one of the 20 percent, I’ll give a few pointers.
Lean back a bit when you talk. This will help the air flow smoother. Talk slowly and don’t worry about holding the attention of the people who are supposed to be listening. You are dispensing a rare gem, your wisdom. They are swine if they don’t pay rapt attention. Think about what you want to say, say it short, sweet and stop.
I did a lot of acting and singing in my youth, fun and classical stuff. Probably the single best thing you can do to improve your voice control breathing properly to exercise the diaphragm and the intercostal muscles. Here are some exercises I used to use:
1/ empty your lungs and fill in from the bottom of the lungs. Do this by pushing your belly out when you breathe in and gradually expanding your ribcage to the max, and hold for 5-10 seconds. Exhale (really push the breath out) and repeat three or four times. On the final rep, when you exhale, keep your ribcage pushed out. Hold for as long as you can (and breathe!). Repeat frequently.
2/ The shower thing is good, especially since there’s a lot of steam. Sing as loud as you dare, and force your adam’s apple right down to the bottom of your throat to increase the tone (and keep it there) - make like you’re an opera singer. Repeat frequently.
3/ Swim breaststroke. I found that the shape I had when I was swimming forced my ribcage out as in 1/, and swimming strenuously forced my throat into position 2/.
4/ Take a couple of singing lessons. The classic text (in the UK anyway) for voice training is Vaccai (shudder).
Sounds like you should relax a bit more too when you’re trying to make a good impression. No matter who they are, everone gets into their pants one leg at a time, takes a shit on the toilet and looks stupid when they’re having sex. Just imagine any of these the next time you meet someone - you’ll either be more relaxed or laughing your tits off!
These are only things that worked for me; I’m sure others will have good suggestions too. One word of caution though: these things take time and dedication - don’t expect results overnight! Keep practising and good luck!
bwanasimba made some good points, especially that one about breathing from the diaphragm. When I started my career as a radio announcer, learning to breathe properly was something I really had to learn.
Relax your throat, neck and shoulders; this is where a lot of people carry tension or nerves in their body, and it’s all but impossible to sound relaxed and use your voice’s full potential when it’s half-choked by muscle tension. Deep breath, think “relax” and go for it.
Something else that worked for me was visualisation. You know how golfers will visualise how the shot will go before they play it? I did something like that, visualising my “old” nasal voice as being produced only in my mouth, sinus cavities and nose, and then picturing my “new” voice being produced in the chest and gut, and continuing with that. The end result is my present voice, which is now my real one, not an act; deep for a woman, distinctive and non-nasal.
sing along to these songs me and my brother wrote…that’s what i do, and people say my voice is one of my strong characteristics.
You could get a voice coach. Hey, we can’t even hear your voice so how would we know what to do?
There are a number of speech-language pathologists who specialize in working with persons who wish to alter some aspect of their voice. You may want to check around in your community for references. I would start with the American Speech-Lanugage and Hearing Association’s website, where there is a webpage where you can search an online directory for SLPs or audiologists in your area. Once you get a good starter list, contact them and see if they will work with you. If that particular speech-language pathologist doesn’t do much in that particular area, ask for a referral.