Master Vocal Projection : Simple Steps to Achieve a Stronger, More Powerful Voice

Finding Your Authentic Voice: The Key to Being Heard

Is your voice strong enough to command the attention in a room??

Or do you find yourself being asked to constantly repeat what you just said because others can't hear you clearly??

If you feel your voice lacks gravitas and projection for public speaking, you're not alone. Many professionals struggle with projecting their voice effectively, leading to frustration and a lack of confidence. But there's good news: you can strengthen your vocal instrument and ensure that your message is being heard loud and clear.

In this article, we will explore voice techniques designed to enhance both the sound quality and volume of your speaking voice. Whether you're preparing for a presentation, leading a meeting, or simply trying to communicate more effectively in your daily interactions, these tips will help you sound more confident and powerful as a speaker.?

So, if you're ready to transform your voice and make sure your words resonate with your audience, keep reading.

Introduction: How to Strengthen Your Voice

Many people are aware that they lack power in their voice. Due to cultural or familial influences, they lack the strength and confidence that others seem to have in spades.?

This is true for both men and women and can be both painful and frustrating at times. If you know your speaking voice sounds mousy and insecure, it can be hard to build confidence when you continue to have doubts about the way others perceive you.?

So, today I am going to share with you a few ways you can successfully start to build strength in your vocal system to start sounding stronger, right from the first day of exercising.?

Just like going to the gym builds strength, agility, and power in your body, the same rings true for working the voice. If you do it right, the voice will grow stronger and more resilient over time. If you do it wrong, you will get a sore throat and croaky voice. This is why it's imperative to find the right coach for your needs, so they can give you quality feedback and help you achieve your goals with ease.?

So, let's get you heard because your voice and your message matter!

Step One: Building Vocal Strength

To build strength in the vocal folds and vocal system, there's a secret weapon that I use that no other speaker trainer talks about. It's called back pressure, however, it doesn't have anything to do with your back muscles. Back pressure, in this context, relates to the pressure that builds up inside the body behind the closure of the vocal folds, before you open your mouth to speak.? Here is an explanation of how this works when related to the voice.?

Back Pressure Example 1: The Garden Hose

Imagine you're in the garden, turning on the tap to full blast while holding the hose. When you close the aperture of the hose, the water pressure builds up inside the pipe because the tap is turned on, but the aperture is closed. When you open the aperture wide, the water sprays out like a big fan and isn't very powerful. Now, when we make the aperture really small instead, the water, backed up under pressure, will shoot out powerfully, reaching the end of the garden easily. That's back pressure in action.?

Back Pressure Example? 2: The Balloon

Another great example of using back pressure effectively is with a balloon. When we blow air into the balloon to about three-quarters capacity, then hold the neck closed, you can feel the air is under pressure inside the balloon that can't escape. IE: Back pressure. However, If you let go of the neck too quickly and let too much air out, the balloon will fly all over the room making a soft Fthhhhhhhhh-like noise. Almost like a soft raspberry sound.?

However, if you fill the balloon again, and hold the neck almost closed, but not completely, you allow less air to escape with the back pressure still active. Due to the air pressure being kept high and the aperture being kept small, you will hear a very different sound from the balloon this time. You will now hear a loud squealing sound instead. Kids figure this out very quickly and drive you crazy with these incredibly loud noises.?

The same principles apply to speakers, singers, and actors. When they are using their voices correctly for projection, they are engaging back pressure and support to help them create a powerful, clear, and projected vocal sound. When speakers use their voice incorrectly, they are in danger of pushing, squeezing, or forcing the voice out instead which can lead to voice loss and damaged vocal folds.?

The easiest way to feel back pressure inside your own body is to take a breath in and then hold it for a second, as though you just remembered something important but didn't know what it was. "Oh! Wait…. I was going to tell you something!"

When you are in the suspension of the breath, between the words, you can feel the sensation of air pressure building up behind the closure of the vocal folds. No sound and no air can escape when in this slight breath-holding phase. This pre-phonatory setup allows for a big, powerful sound when you open the aperture and let a tiny bit of air flow through, while still under good pressure!

Many people simply don't know these things, and take in too much air to prepare for speaking. However, when you use too much airflow, you run the risk of sounding out of breath, exhausted, and exasperated when speaking, which is not great if you want to sound like a Leader in your field.?

Back pressure is your secret weapon to sound clear, strong, and engaging. So try this principle for yourself and see what it can do for your vocal sound.?

Remember - the more back pressure you use, the clearer and stronger your voice will sound.?

For more information on implementing this into your everyday tasks, see the video link below for the full training.?

Conclusion: Empower Your Voice and Be Heard

In conclusion, strengthening your voice is a journey that combines understanding the mechanics of vocal production with consistent practice. By mastering the art of back pressure, and engaging in the vocal exercises explained in the video on my channel ( The Voice of Confidence TV)? you can significantly improve the power, clarity, and stability of your speaking voice. These exercises are not just about volume but about creating a resonance and presence that commands attention and conveys confidence.

Remember, your voice is an integral part of your identity and a powerful tool in your professional and personal life. When people can hear you clearly, they are more likely to listen, engage, and value what you have to say. In today’s fast-paced world, where attention spans are shorter than ever, making sure your voice stands out is crucial.

As you integrate these exercises into your daily routine, you’ll start noticing a difference not only in how you sound but also in how you feel when you speak. Confidence in your voice translates to confidence in your message. Speak up, speak out, and let your voice be heard because it matters.

If you found this article helpful and want to dive deeper into voice training and public speaking, consider joining our exclusive monthly membership for speakers - The Voice Club. As part of this community, you'll gain access to exclusive content, personalized coaching, and a supportive network of individuals all working towards mastering their vocal presence.

Join The Voice Club today and take the first step towards transforming your voice and your life. Remember, your voice is your power – use it wisely, and let it shine.

About Elisa James M.Mus.Th.M

Elisa James is an Executive Voice Coach, International performer, and influencer in the field of voice and presentation skills for business. She is the author of 3 best-selling books and has a popular YouTube channel - The Voice of Confidence TV. Elisa coaches many of the world's celebrity speakers, TV journalists, and entrepreneurs over five continents. She has over 60,000 followers worldwide and holds two Master's Degrees to back up her 35-year experience on stage and camera. Elisa coaches top business professionals in VIP 1:1 sessions, and also through her online courses and group coaching programs. As a workshop facilitator, she also leads one and two-day workshops in Voice and Presentations skills for Corporate Professionals. www.elisajames.com?