Voice Dynamic Newsletter

How Tough is Voicing It?

January 8, 2009

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Dear Nancy,

Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to speak to several of my clients.  All of them are progressing well and I've heard some wonderful changes.  A man in Ohio sounds deeper in pitch; a Toastmaster in Maryland is better able to control her nervousness; and, a woman in Seattle speaks a little more quickly.  [Most people actually need to slow down but there are those in some Western states and of course in the Southern states who may need to speed up just a bit.]  

I wanted to take this opportunity to explain not only why Voicing It! might be the right choice for you but also why it may be the wrong choice.  

1.  Let's say, for instance, that you would like to learn how to project your voice (increase your volume without shouting).  You cannot start with the session on projection because each session is dependent on the previous session.  In order to project your voice, you must first learn how to breathe with support and then speak within your optimum range.  Only at that point are you able to physically project your voice.  Anything else is shouting or yelling.  So, if you are not willing to learn the previous steps, don't consider Voicing It!  

2.  Voicing It! is on video for a reason.  I want you to see what should be happening (and what shouldn't) as well as hear it.  If you want to change your voice while listening to a pile of CDs in your car on your way to work, then Voicing It! is not for you.   
 

3.  Voicing It! is intensive and takes about 5 hours to complete; however, for the majority of people, I would suggest spending a week (or more) on the Breathing and another week on the Voice Change.   Of course, it wouldn't hurt to spend another week on Volume and Projection and a final week on Color.  

This does not mean that you will spend a week on the actual DVD.  For example, after you complete the session on breathing, practice the breathing for a week as much as you can throughout your day.  Putting into practice what you learn is the best homework you can have.  I don't want you to set aside time to 'practice your voice exercises.'  I want you using it as much as possible in every aspect of your life.    

If you can begin the practice of answering each phone call with a diaphragmatic breath, for example, and make just that exercise a habit, then you are on your way.  [I worked with a taxi dispatcher who was answering 600 calls a day.  He made that exercise a habit pretty darned quick!] 
 

When you start a conversation, take a breath (a good one!).  If you revert to shallow breathing in the midst of your conversation, don't worry about it.  I expect that to happen.  But what should you do if you realize that you aren't breathing properly? Simply stop -- midstream -- take a breath -- continue on.   

4.  Can you accomplish Voicing It! in a day? Yes, it is possible (although not advisable) and a few people do that.  Of course, those in my workshops accomplish the training in 2 days; however, they do sleep on their new voice at least once.  (I also recommend that they practice sounding their 'real' voice in the shower the next morning.)   All of this is important.   All of this is part of the training.  

Whereas with the daily practice of a musical instrument or even a sport, you must set aside time to hone your skills or to get your body into shape, this is exactly what I do not want you to do with your voice.  The best homework for a successful voice change is to use it every day, all day, as much as you possibly can.  In the beginning, set a goal for yourself.  If, during that first week, you can remember to take a breath 40% of the time upon opening your mouth to speak, then you are 40% ahead of the game.    

Set a realistic goal for yourself and you will accomplish more.