I just learned that I have made 50 posts on this page over the past few years. These posts cover everything from “diaphragmatic” breathing to allergies to vocal health/injuries to projection to learning accents to hoarseness to owning a room. In case you missed any, here’s a complete list:
continue readingWhy James Earl Jones’s voice was so great (and did you know he used to stutter?)
The legacy of James Earl Jones as an actor is tremendous, and he was universally beloved as a genuine mensch in real life. From Fences on Broadway to Roots on TV, from the iconic voices of Darth Vader and Mufasa on film to to the respected voice of CNN, one universal truth shone brightly:
That voice.
But what was it about that voice that made it s great? The answer might surprise you.
It’s not just about that deep resonance.
continue readingReal notes to an actor who lost their voice
A peek behind the scenes! An actor in a play I am vocal coaching got very sick and therefore hoarse. They asked for suggestions, and I wanted to share them with you.
continue readingDon’t bore your audience — spice it up to be an engaging speaker!
They say variety is the spice of life and as usual, “they” know what they are talking about. When it comes to giving talks or lectures, vocal variety is an essential secret ingredient for a compelling presentation.
continue readingWhat’s all this about using a straw for voice?
Using drinking straws to enhance voice has become quite a trend. The exercise can have many benefits for voice, which we will discuss in future posts.
For now, I want to drop a short audio file here to get you started playing with the straw kazoo exercise, with more details to come. Enjoy!
If you’d like personalized instruction on working with the straw, or anything else relating to voice, speech, or presence, reach out for a session!
Wanna stop mumbling?
You: Saying anything at all
Them: What was that?
Them: (Quizzical look)
Them: I didn’t catch what you said
Them: (pause, then) Oh, ok I got you
If these responses are familiar to you, you just might mumble!
Mumbling is basically speaking in a way that is so soft, fast, or indistinct that people have a hard time understanding your words.
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