Vocal technique

[James Bond]

Ice and I have been talking about vocal technique and singing for a while. While looking for some examples I stumbled on a gem from one of my former teachers in university.

The proper way to yell 'Go Jets Go!': http://youtu.be/avy7nA_Hm5w


Now you might not be a rabid hockey fan, but the same principles apply to good speaking and singing.

Try it out. You might discover others can hear you better and your voice is less tired.

[Mr. Pink]

Good stuff. I have noticed that I naturally speak louder and with more clarity using this technique. For the remainder of the month I am going practice reading 30-45 mins per day taking making sure that I am breathing from my stomach and exhaling whilst I speak.

[James Bond]

Good stuff. I have noticed that I naturally speak louder and with more clarity using this technique. For the remainder of the month I am going practice reading 30-45 mins per day taking making sure that I am breathing from my stomach and exhaling whilst I speak.

Some extra tips if you're serious about developing better vocal technique.

It helps if you practice in front of a mirror so you can see yourself.

Try recording yourself and listen to it to see what you sound like.

Rather than just reading something new each day, pick a story or poem and hone it. The point isn't to read a lot, but to perfect a new way of speaking with good technique and expression.

[Mr. Pink]

When I listen to the recording, am I looking for a certain kind of rhythm to the way that I am speaking... along with good breath / posture?

[James Bond]

When I listen to the recording, am I looking for a certain kind of rhythm to the way that I am speaking... along with good breath / posture?

It's a self assessment. Due to the way sound is conducted by the bones in your head, you sound very different then what others hear. So for some people (myself included) it can be an eye opening experience.

Try imagining the You are filling the room with your voice when you speak. 360 degrees. Not forcing your voice, but naturally with resonance when you have support.

Try different things and listen back to it. Different vocal tone and inflection. See what sounds best.

You can try to copy others, but that should be more of a game, or for specific effect. Not wholesale stealing their speaking voice. Because otherwise you'll end up wearing yourself out. You want a good natural relaxed place for your voice, whether you're speaking soft or loud.


If you're really serious about vocal technique and want a solid opinion, take voice lessons from a teacher that teaches classical voice. (opera) Stay away from people that primarily teach musical theatre. It's fun to sing, but they tend to shout a lot, so your technical base won't be as good.

[120%]

I took some acting classes in the past and I'm restarting them now.

One technique to improve vocal projection is to say lines in varying distances from the target. Mark lines of every 4/5 feet from the target up to 15/20/30 feet or so. Say a line, and then move to the next further line. Repeat.

The goal is to project your voice from yourself to the target as if you were right next to it. The target should be able to hear you at each length. Obviously, you would louder at 30 feet than at 4 feet.

And the only way to get loud without shouting is to exhale from your stomach. And in my experience, you can hook and create attraction just by being loud.