Work it out! Exercises To Keep Your Voice In Shape
What do actors and public speakers have in common? Although very different professions, one of the most important aspects for both is how they sound. For both, the voice is an integral part of their perceived identity, whether they are trying to play a character other than themselves - or build and maintain their own personal image. Beyond character and brand construction, we can use our voice to exemplify our current mood or emotions in a way that written word cannot. As a method of communication, clarification and distinction, the voice may also play a large role in the successes or failures of actors and public speakers. By not being able to clearly portray their personal brand or character, both risk losing their audience’s trust and attention.
Their are many factors that can cause this to happen. Among these reasons are voice health, projection, pitch and articulation. The purpose of this article is to highlight some key insights learned from examining the behaviors of actors; particularly around how they prepare for shows and take preventive measures to protect their voice overtime.
Vocal Exercises to Make a Part of your Daily Routine
Contrary to the notion that warmup exercises should only be done before a speech or performance, these kinds of exercises should be done regularly, to maintain good vocal health overtime. Since established speakers and actors are often on the road, it’s important to have a list of vocal warmups that you’re comfortable doing regularly and on the way to the event and/or performance - whether it be in front of the camera crew or your significant other.
To get started or to add to your current routine, here are some examples of some fun warmup exercises to try:
- Put a cork in it - and then recite tongue twisters for approximately 2 minutes. Try out the exercise routine here.
- Try saying the tongue twister below 3 times fast - or, if you’re feeling creative, create your own!
“Snore snail snap snoop, Sneak snuck snout snoot, Snarl sneer snipe snip, Sniff snuff snake snitch, Silly senseless sibilance sentences, Separate seagulls from southern semblances, Serious decisions several musicians, Sanctioned songs for soprano mistresses, Supersonic sensitive fences, Suppository savory succulent pittances,Sibilance sounding sibilance causing, Silly senseless Sibilance sentences.”
For other examples of some great tongue twisters: here.
- Breathe, and prepare for the (potential) run-on sentence by making the “ahhhh” sound as you exhale
- Hum for 15 seconds, gradually getting louder
- Yawn as wide as you can
- Stick out your tongue. Repeat 10 times.
Want more? Check these out:
- National Theatre’s video tutorial on”Opening up the Voice”
- Download a full vocal warmup in the form of an itunes playlist
- Take a sneakpeek at how professional vocal coaches prepare celebrities like Vanessa Hudgens
Healthy Voices for the Night Before
- Instead of drinking with pals, skip out on the alcohol (and dairy, too!) and opt for some hot tea and citrus fruits, which are both known to prevent cotton mouth.
- Have a tendency to raise your voice? Instead, take a couple of deep breaths. Yelling can cause permanent damage to your vocal cords.
- Try to take care of your allergies and avoid smoking, both of which can cause throat inflammation.
What are your favorite exercises and night before tips for voice health? We’d love to hear from you!
Don’t forget to sign up for a free, Orate profile (and push your profile live!) so that we can help you secure more speaking opportunities! Learn more about us here: www.orate.me.
Great Advice Thanks!