Voice Training for Professionals
Why do Voice Work..?
The human voice is at the very centre of communication. It reveals so much of who we are.
Whatever our profession, the key to success is a good connection with others, and for most of us our voice is the ‘front line' tool we use in making and consolidating that connection. It is, for example, the voice which primarily wins the trust and respect of an audience. Odd then, that so few of us bother to learn how to use the voice effectively, or how to care for an ‘instrument' so crucial to the impact we wish to make.
Some of the brightest, most talented people have not considered the importance of how to get their message across. For them, the content is the thing - and if the listeners lose interest it is their loss!
Well, yes - no doubt it is, but what good is brilliant material if it is marred by poor body language and such a lifeless tone, that we switch off; or if the articulation is so poor, we can't make sense of it; and we are simply unable to hear it.
For those who'd rather not be in that category and who wish to have the full range of vocal skills at their command, I have devised a step by step pathway to vocal power:
THE SEVEN BRIDGES TO VOCAL POWER
Bridge 1 - Physical Awareness
I will show you how the body works on the voice. Postural alignment and how it affects your breathing power. Opening the physical vessel to receive sound. How to tune in to your power-point – ‘The Centre'. This is literally plugging you in to the connected breath, and your natural sound. Learn to release stress by letting go of trapped energy. Learn to ground that energy to convey confidence.
Bridge 2 - Relaxation
Stress and tension affects the quality of the voice. Learn how to de-stress with guided techniques. Tense and release. Guided visualisation. Body-loosening.
Bridge 3 - Natural Breathing
Most people do not know how to breathe. They breathe unnaturally and therefore have no support system for the voice. Learn to give your voice strength, by getting plugged in to the diaphragm, the primary muscle for breathing technique. Discover the other two sets of muscles, which support the primary centre for breathing.
Bridge 4 - Touch of Sound
Learn how to avoid pushing the voice, causing strain and eventual loss of voice and find your natural impulse for sound. Connect to The Body Signature Note.
Bridge 5 - Resonators
Get in touch with the power and strength of the voice through channeling the vibration into the resonating cavities. Learn to place and project the voice so that it can be heard.
Bridge 6 - Opening the Channel for Sound
Loosen a tight jaw and tongue root, and open up the throat - the Channel for Sound. Create a resonating chamber on the inside of the mouth, leading to the head resonance.
Bridge 7 - Organs of Articulation
This leads to clarity of speech. Consonant drills to work the tip of the tongue the hard and soft palate. Consonant clusters to aid dexterity and mobility of speech.
Having gained technical proficiency in producing and manipulating the voice, we shall be ready to give attention to any specific material you wish to present. Whether speech, lecture or a text of some kind, we shall consider its interpretation and look at aspects of your delivery. We will concentrate on getting variety and interest into your voice, and to get your message across with charismatic charm and impact.
