Public Speaker? Singer? Not me! Why be Vocally Fit?

By Jesai Jayhmes

It is only in the last 70 years or so, (in thousands and thousands of years of human existence) that we have the mechanism to hear ourselves as others hear us through recording devices. And for most of us it's a big shock!

It's all due to the way we hear and how we listen.

When we speak, we hear and feel the vibration of sound as it resonates in our bones and flesh and in the air within our lungs. It sounds and feels up close and personal. When we hear others, their sound waves travel through the air in every direction, with only a fraction of those waves vibrating our own eardrums. It's normal for us to hear others this way, but when we hear our own voice on voice mail or even in a recording studio it sounds foreign, distant, often shallow or unscientifically "weird". These extreme listening differences are the reasons why it is impossible to be objective about the sound and quality of your voice.

It is very true that some voices are high, others are low, some resonate in the nose, and others in the chest, some great booming voices seem to come from everywhere. However, what we think of our own voice is heavily biased. In most cases, voices are and have been perfectly adequate for most purposes.

There are physical conditions that affect your voice quality that have to do with posture, relaxation, health and breathing. Your depth of breathing has a profound affect on the resonance and texture of your voice. Shallow breathing will cause your voice to resonate mainly in your the head, while a deep belly breath allows your entire body to resonate.

There are emotional reasons to do with confidence, insecurity and fear that will effect the resonance of your voice. Both the physical and emotional areas can be positively impacted by proper training. Voice carries emotion through your intention to affect another person. Emotion can feel very vulnerable. Sometimes we might try to hide feelings, apologize or criticize, believing that this implies strength. Using our voice ineffectively to find fault with ourselves or blame others is practically a human addiction. Actors recognize, however, that it is the very vulnerability in the voice that gives us our humanity and our strength.

Many of us react to criticism by tightening our muscles. The vocal chords (or folds) are no exception. Can you recall a passing comment that someone made about your voice whether it was a parent, a teacher, or a helpful friend? Perhaps it was many years ago.

"Do you have to be so loud?"

"Speak up."

"Stop mumbling."

"Stand in the back and mouth the words."

Each comment heard can get stuck in our muscles for years, affecting vocal quality.

Often I coach people who love to sing, but the terror of rejection literally chokes them up in public. We are taught to admire the "star", the years of technique, and the money. We measure ourselves against the celebrities and feel inadequate.

"You'll never make a living doing that." voices an all too caring parent.

In many cultures song and chant are communal expressions of the Divine, awakening Joy, embodying Spirit. When we feel compelled to sing, it is from that Sacred place. This participation is not judged as good or bad, professional or amateur. It is an expression of life force, creativity and passion, which must come out, and represents the very health of the community.

The words we choose when we speak define and create our lives and the lives of others.

Words that you voice such as, "I could never do that!", removes the possibility of achievement from your life. Phrases like, "I enjoy learning a new skill and taking on challenges," opens up a world of possibilities to explore.

If one subscribes to the notion that we are designed in the image and likeness of the Creator, it stands to reason that we create constantly. Our thought creates the words we speak which become real.

What if we strived to create a world where all souls could achieve their heart's desire? What words would we then utter.

As you choose to develop your vocal power, you will begin to recognize the profound impact you have on the lives of others. Your voice has the power to build or tear down. Use your voice to leave the world a better place than you found it.

Becoming vocally fit is being conscious of the breaths you take, the language you use, and the intention you deliver. It is making a commitment to touch, move and inspire others. It is discovering that your true wealth is in your voice. Becoming vocally fit is learning to fully embrace yourself and your voice.

Jesai Jayhmes

copyright(C)Jesai Jayhmes 2008 all rights reserved

Jesai Jayhmes helps you be at your best when the stakes are the highest. Whether you are speaking to a crowd to inspire them, to your sales team to provide focus, with your spouse to create deeper intimacy, or with your patients to encourage healing you will surely benefit from Jesai's coaching. He is a master communicator, listener and teacher who has worked with diverse groups and individuals for 30 years. His clients are some of the top seminar presenters, entrepreneurs, teachers in North America.

Jesai has also taught at Yale University Theater Studies and the Banff Centre for the Arts. He has given workshops for the faculty at top Universities. His program You Voice Workout has received rave reviews from users and distinguished Jesai as a communications master. Check him out on the web http://www.yourvoiceworkout.com , and http://www.jesaijayhmes.com email him at info@jesaijayhmes.com

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