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Do You Yell Or Project?
Have you noticed that when Hillary Clinton gets excited she yells? (Please understand I am not making any political statement; however, her uncontrolled yelling would be my reason not to vote for her.) On the other hand, writer Ann Coulter, of the more than conservative bent, does the same thing, which means I don't want to listen to her either.
In both cases, they are putting unnecessary, undue strain on their delicate vocal folds. Overtime this can lead to permanent damage.
It also means that they are out of control when they get into that 'loud' state.
When you project, on the other hand, you are using your chest cavity to power your voice instead of just your throat, mouth, and/or nose.
It take the strain off the vocal folds and is definitely so much nicer on your listeners' ears.
I've said it before and I'll say it again...I never yelled at my boys...I projected.
Kids don't listen when you yell or shout but they do pay attention when you project!
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Greetings!
When I look at all the email I receive regarding voice, presentation skills, volume, controlling nervousness, etc., I am concerned when I see how many people write to me because of vocal abuse. If you find that you are hoarse or experience a sore throat by the end of the day or even have loss of voice at various times, this newsletter is for you. |
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Determine the Cause of Your Vocal Abuse
Having worked with thousands of people in voice, I know that vocal abuse can result from physical as well as emotional problems. For instance, those with spasmodic dysfonia usually have experienced some form of emotional, physical or sexual abuse during their childhood. The purpose of this newsletter, however, is not to discuss that issue.
More often than not, vocal abuse is the result of physiological problems. There are prescriptive drugs for allergies that can cause hoarseness; the allergies themselves can cause sore throats because of post-nasal drip; smoking, snoring, and mouth breathing can also be the culprits.
Misuse of the voice however accounts for a surprisingly large number of people who suffer from some form of vocal abuse. If you have been to the otolaryngologist (ear, nose & throat specialist) and have been given a clean bill of health, then your vocal abuse is the result of misuse or improper placement of the voice; and, the longer you ignore the problem, the greater the likelihood that you will incur serious or even permanent damage to your vocal folds. Besides, we all need a voice!
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Go on the Defensive
Everyone's vocal folds are unique; everyone's vocal ability is unique. For 60 years, Broadway's Ethel Merman was able to belt out (yell) songs everyday and twice on Wednesdays and Saturdays with no damage to her vocal apparatus. (She didn't use a mike; she didn't need a mike!) Julie Andrews, however, played in Victor/Victoria on Broadway when she was in her 60's, resulting in permanent damage to her vocal folds. She will never sing professionally again. What is fascinating is that Julie Andrews was not a 'belter' but a 'legitimate' voice, a voice that was being supported properly when she sang. Because of the individuality, the uniqueness of each and everyone of us with regards to out vocal apparatus, some people can speak for much greater lengths of time than others without any discomfort or any side effects.
As I age, I am discovering that I don't have the same stamina with my voice as I did when I was younger; however, the quality of my voice is improving as I get older. I guess you can say that I have better quality but not the same quantity. In the last few years, my college roommate, a 3rd grade teacher, has found that come September, she doesn't have the same endurance to get through a full day with her voice as she did when she was younger.
Although aging certainly plays a role with the voice, being able to get through a day of teaching, training, sales conferences, speaking engagements, radio hosting, and even coaching is quite possible if you know how to use the voice properly and if you know your limitations. Constant overuse of the voice, even for the trained voice, is not a good idea.
Did you know that some opera singers won't sing in full voice the day before the opera opens? Why? They are saving the voice.
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 Tips for Ending Vocal Abuse
There are no tricks for ending vocal abuse; however, I can give you some tips:
1. Don't yell;
2. Don't whisper (whispering does just as much damage as yelling!);
3. Don't smoke;
4. Breathe through your nose as much as possible;
5. Learn to breathe with support so that your chest can be your major sounding board/amplifier instead of your throat;
6. Find the optimum pitch of your speaking voice. It will feel better; it will sound better; it is better.;
7. Get a good night's sleep and eat a healthy diet -- they do wonders for your voice as well as the rest of your body.
To learn the secrets for putting an end to voice loss, hoarseness, and/or sore throats,
Order Voicing It! today and LET YOUR CHEST DO THE TALKING...! |
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