How Well Do You Breathe?

Do you tuck your tummy in a bit to make it look flatter?  A lot of us do!  But if you do, you probably aren’t using the proper breath support needed to support your voice.

Without proper breath support, you may not be able to project your voice.  People also learn bad habits because they slouch and because they carry a lot of tension in their shoulders, neck and jaw. 

To gain awareness of appropriate breathing patterns, start by lying on your back on a firm mattress, or on the floor.  Place your hand or a book on your abdomen directly under your rib cage.  Inhale through your nostrils and as you breath in, observe the abdominal muscles and the book rising.  When you breathe out, your abdomen and the book will descend.  The book should rise and descend in a smooth, rhythmic pattern.

This type of breath (called diaphragmatic breath support) is what you need to use while standing up and talking.  Try it!

Can you feel the rise and fall of your stomach while standing up?  When you take in a breath before speaking, do you feel your tummy expand?  If not, you are probably using a form of breath support that is shallow and ineffective for a strong voice.