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Vocal Relaxation: Learn the difference between tension and relaxation.

Develop a dynamic, professional voice!One of the factors that can make the most impact in professional communication and speech therapy is the strength and tone of your voice. Luckily, there are techniques you can learn in order to power up your voice and speak in a voice that is engaging, dynamic, and powerful.

Two of the most important factors in speaking are proper breath support and reducing tension in the throat. Your breathing is the power behind your voice; without a strong, steady airflow, your voice will sound weak and strained. In order to achieve the best possible breath support, you should concentrate on breathing from your abdomen instead of your chest. To learn more about diaphragmatic breathing techniques and ways to improve your breath support click here.

Reducing tension in the neck and throat is a challenge for many people and often the key to vocal relaxation. It’s common to try and increase your vocal power by tensing the musculature in the throat. Not only does this produce a voice sounds strained, too much tension can cause serious injury to the vocal cords. Before speaking in public, take the time to relax the muscles of your neck and throat. Here are some strategies and exercises you can use to help you relax:

• Create tension in your shoulders by raising them up by your ears and tensing your muscles for five seconds. Then, release the tension and allow your shoulders to drop down, noting the difference in sensation, and feeling the release.
• Turn your head to the right, and hold the position for 5 seconds. Repeat on the left side.
• While standing, allow your head to drop forward with your chin to your chest. Then slowly roll your body down as though you are trying to touch your toes. Focus on releasing the tension of each vertebrae of your spine as your roll down. Relax in the downward position for 5 to 10 seconds, then slowly roll back to a full standing position.

Want to learn more about vocal relaxation? Take a look at the following video from Corporate Speech Solutions founder and President, Jayne Latz:

For information on the New York Based Speech and Accent Reduction services offered by Corporate Speech Solutions please give us a call at 212-308-7725 or visit us on the web at www.corporatespeechsolutions.com. Not in NYC? No problem! We also provide Skype and video conferencing services.

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