In order to produce sound, you need to bring your vocal cords together. Air is then pushed through your vocal cords, and this creates sound through vibration.
You can alter the way your voice sounds by changing how tightly or loosely you are bringing your vocal cords together. Bringing your vocal cords together gently can result in a softer sounding voice. Bringing your vocal cords together with more pressure can deepen the sound of voice and increase volume.
You may wish to explore these qualities in your own voice as you progress through this resource. Therefore, it is important for you to be able to hear and feel the difference. Try the activity below to help you tune in with your vocal cords.
Activity to explore your breathing:
Activity to explore what your vocal cords can do:
This activity is designed to help you feel different pressures in your throat by varying how much your vocal cords are coming together.
1. Imagine sinking into your sofa after a long day at work. Produce a long, gentle sigh (e.g. ‘ahhhh’). It should sound very breathy and you should feel very little tension in your throat.
2. Now start with that gentle ‘ah’ and gradually increase the pressure and volume of the ‘ah’. You will notice your voice becoming louder. Your pitch should not change.
3. Now alternate between your soft and loud ‘ah,’ feeling the change of pressure in your voice box:
aaaah...AAAAAH...aaaaah...AAAAAH...aaaah
Some people find their breathing can be affected by stress or feeling tense. You may get into a pattern of breathing from the top of your lungs, not fully expanding your lungs.
Please note that if you are ‘binding’ this can also affect your breathing, so be mindful of this as you work through these activities.
How did this feel?
Which ‘ah’ felt more comfortable? Did you prefer a stronger, harder voice quality or a softer, breathier voice quality? Or do you prefer something in-between?
