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Vocal Pitfalls to Avoid While Speaking - Part 2
Breath-Based Vocalization
Laura Handke
Stop what you’re doing right now (including expanded, and your shoulders straight and
reading this article), close your eyes, and take relaxed. (You can see a video demonstration
three deep breaths. by Googling Authentic Expressions by Laura
Upon opening your eyes, you will likely Handke YouTube Mini Voice Lesson.) It’s easiest to
feel more calm, relaxed and present. That’s experience this while lying down. Your stomach
what conscious, deep breathing does; it’s one of should rise towards the ceiling or sky as you
the best ways to combat performance anxiety, inhale, and then come down as you exhale while
otherwise known as “stage fright,” a regular vocalizing. Once you get the hang of it on the
companion of many speakers. I’ve been known floor, you can incorporate the same breathing
to start a speech in my home Toastmasters club process while up standing and speaking.
by saying, “Please join me in taking three deep If you’re not accustomed to breathing this
breaths.” I received feedback like, “I have no idea way, it may take a while before it’s solidified in
what that had to do with your speech, but it sure muscle memory and becomes second nature—
relaxed me!” but the practice is worth it for anyone who gets
Please humor me and, again, close your eyes, up in front of a room full of people and speaks.
and take three deep breaths—this time being It’s also worth it for everyone who doesn’t
consciously aware of what’s happening within know that I think about it! Deep belly breathing
your body as you breathe. If you’re in a physical has many benefits, including:
environment where you can lay down on your • The relaxing, calming effect I mentioned
back (grab a yoga mat if you have one handy) earlier, and a relaxed speaker rubs off on
before you begin to breathe. the audience.
Did your shoulders move up while you • A more fully oxygenated body, releasing
inhaled? They shouldn’t, at least not too endorphins in the brain.
much. Tense, upward shoulder movement is • Improved air flow through the vocal folds,
an indicator of what I’ll call “chest breathing,” which reduces vocal fatigue, and improves
trying to breathe engaging mainly the upper the sound quality of your voice.
part of your chest, which substantially limits • Lowers the heart rate, and you’re less likely
lung capacity. to feel dizzy.
Your stomach should expand when you Deep breathing is recommended for
inhale, while your rib cage is stretched and everything from quitting smoking, to reducing
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