Using Your Voice Carefully and

Effectivelyin Teaching

Roz Comins Voice Care Network UK

Vocal challenges Many different speaking situations Large groups Problem spaces Challenging situations Need to keep on top of everything Very little voice training Feeling pressure – stressed

Interest and needs often expressed Voice to carry, project effectively Voice to be more flexible or

interesting Greater clarity of speech Ability to show enthusiasm How to prevent hoarseness, weak

voice and loss of voice

Aspects to consider How the voice is produced and controlled

Practical ways to take care of the voice

Practical skill and techniques to manage voice and spoken delivery effectively

Each voice is unique

Voice Care Network UK

Control of voice - from the medium to the message

Effective voice production Relaxation Easy postural alignment Central Breathing Resonance & pitch Muscular energy in articulation Practice

Voice Care Network UK

Resonance Hum easily (feel vibration, head, neck,

chest) Hum with pitch gently rising/falling Shape OO – Hum : OH - Hum

Explore tone of voice – OH – disappointed ! OH – surprised! OH - how wonderful!

Voice Care Network UK

Vowel sounds & consonants Vowel sounds flow (as rivers of sound) enable voice to carry - convey feelings, tone of voiceConsonants precise closures (like river

banks) give clarity, precision of thoughtArticulate words with muscularity &

sensitivity sounds reinforce meaning create energy, impact

Care for your voice - check difficulties

Pain or soreness in larynx Frequent throat clearing Hoarseness, croakiness Tickly cough Loss of power, voice tired at end of

day Voice Loss

Action to take Consider how voice used, voice production Breathe steam, use relaxation Reduce talking time Catch cold, infection? reduce voice use, do

not whisper, if laryngitis?- rest & recover 2-3 weeks of unexpected voice change ? Consult your GP possible ENT consultation Seek help

Explore muscularity and sensitivity in words

“You taught me language, and the profit on’t

Is I know how to curse. The red plague rid you

For learning me your language!”

“Be not afeard, the isle is full of noisesSounds and sweet airs the give delight and hurt not…”

Enjoy your voice Drink water or water-based drinks Warm-up voice - relaxation – breathing resonance – tone - easy articulation Use contrast - tone of voice, power, pace, pauses, phrasing, intonation Report problems, seek help

Voice Care Network UK