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Judging by the number of websites on the internet devoted to self-improvement, it is fascinating to see how many people are looking for articles, books, CDs, and seminars on effective techniques for improving their lives today. Whether it is honing their business skills, projecting a dynamic image, increasing self-esteem, handling relationships or juggling jobs and family, most people are seeking answers for bettering themselves. Yet, few people are aware that they have a richer, warmer, resonant speaking voice inside. Most people do not like to hear themselves on their voicemail or their answering machine because they don’t identify with that sound. Unfortunately what you don’t like on your voicemail is the sound by which everyone else recognizes you. That is your vocal image and it accounts for 37% of the image you project. When I work with a client, the first thing I teach is diaphragmatic breathing, something you are probably not doing. We are renowned for being lazy or shallow breathers using only the upper portion of the chest for respiration. It is a medical fact. Unfortunately, lazy breathing only increases your stress or tension. Diaphragmatic breathing, on the other hand, actually reduces it. All mammals have a diaphragm; all mammals use that diaphragm to support breathing. It is only the most intelligent of the mammals that stops this practice sometime during our childhood development. What results are voices that are being powered by the throat, the voice box, the mouth, and/or the nose. Without the chest, your 5th (& most powerful) amplifier, you are missing a voice that is warm, rich, resonant, and mature-sounding. To find your diaphragm, place your hands under your rib cage and cough. Did you feel that muscle ‘kick’ out? You may remember that muscular partition if you have ever watched a funny movie, laughed for two hours, and then found you were sore. Or you may have had a cold with a hacking cough. Remember how sore your midriff was? In both cases, you were giving your diaphragm a workout! When you learn to breathe with support and speak at your optimum pitch, you will discover a voice that actually vibrates in your chest. If James Earl Jones were to walk into your room and speak to you, you would feel the vibrations of his voice in your own chest. He has a very deep, very resonant speaking voice. (And, he is most definitely breathing with support!) Once you make your ‘real’ voice a habit, you will find that you actually have control over it and not the other way around. When I give a presentation, the first thing I do is breathe because it is the most important thing I’m going to do to control my nervousness. I’ve given hundreds of presentations but my audience doesn’t hear or see my nervousness because I’m controlling it. I like nervousness…it’s that extra spurt of adrenaline that can make your talk, your speech, or your presentation sparkle. Imagine enjoying your voice on your answering machine, sounding more mature, and controlling your nervousness in public speaking. Learn to breathe the right way and you will discover that a better voice is just a breath away. The Voice Lady Nancy Daniels provides private, group and corporate training throughout the United States and Canada as well as Voicing It!, the only video training program on voice improvement and presentation skills. Discover your real voice at Voice Dynamic.
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