Communication Skills TIp: Breathing that supports your voice

In Lanartco's tip of the week February 11th, 2009, I talked about the importance of breath support when you are speaking. It is so important to use your voice well to avoid tiring or straining it. Some of you may know about my background as an actor, but I am also a singer. From the time I was 13, I remember entering contests and working diligently as a singer daily. (I even was in the Junior Miss Connecticut Pageant when I was 17--not something I shine a light on too often, but...just to give you the extent to which I pursued a performance career.) As a singer, I always struggled with breath support. And if you are anything like me, perhaps you create more tension than relaxation when you focus on your breath. It is true that breathing properly will give your voice more volume and power. So, how to practice? I think it is important to keep the neck and upper back muscles relaxed. You can do that by making an imaginary figure eight with your head. This movement, if used in conjunction with breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, should encourage relaxation in your throat, neck and upper back. Once you've done that a couple of times, try putting your hands on your rib cage with your thumbs facing towards your back. Breathe in and out through your mouth on the sound "ah" (don't engage your vocal cords but just your breath) and feel your ribs expand into your hands. If you do these two exercises a couple of times a week, you will build your awareness and control over your breath. To be added to Lanartco's Communication Performance Tip of the Week, please connect to this link or send your email address to info@lanartco.com