How to Train Your Vocal Cords
Voice is the sound produced by vibration of the vocal cords in the larynx (voice box). When we speak, air travels from the lungs up the trachea (wind pipe) and causes the vocal cords to vibrate.A healthy, natural voice sounds clear and unforced. To produce a natural voice you need good posture, relaxed, flexible muscles throughout the whole body, easy breathing and smooth vibration of the vocal cords.
By following a simple exercise program, you can achieve a natural and clear voice.
Things You'll Need
- Stopwatch
Instructions
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1
Practice deep-breathing exercises. Stand with a straight back, lie down or sit comfortably in a chair. Place your open hands on your stomach so that the extended fingertips just touch. Slowly breathe in while counting silently to three. Push out your stomach as you do so; your fingertips should separate. Hold the breath for a further silent count of three, then slowly exhale. Draw in your stomach muscles so your fingertips touch again. Repeat five times.
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2
Breathe out on a sigh (h) and follow with a vowel sound.
For example: h....ah, h....ee, h....eye, h....oh, h....oo, h....ay
Gradually reduce the length of the sigh (h) and lengthen the vowel sound.
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3
Precede the vowel sounds with different consonants, such as "m," "s," "sh," "f" and "z."
For example: m....ah, s....ee, sh....eye, f....oh, z....oo, m....ay
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4
Sustain the vowel sounds for as long as possible. Take a breath and use a stopwatch to time how long you lasted. Aim to gradually extend the time.
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5
Practice gliding from one vowel sound to another.
For example: ay....ee....oo, oo....ah....aw
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6
Sing up and down the scale to "lah" or "m."
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7
Say each vowel with rising, falling and varying inflections.
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8
Say each vowel while gradually increasing and decreasing the volume. Be careful not to alter the pitch, only the volume.
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9
Count to 20 and say every fifth number loudly. Repeat and stress every second number.
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10
Read aloud different types of prose or poetry.
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