Judy Rodman - All Things Vocal Blog

Training & insights for stage and studio singers, speakers, vocal coaches and producers from professional vocal coach and author of "Power, Path & Performance" vocal training method. Download All Things Vocal podcast on your fav app!

Monday, October 24, 2011

Talking On The Phone Can Hurt Your Voice!

                             
Did you know that talking on the phone for any extended length of time can sabotage your singing voice? Yep, it's absolutely true. Why? No one can see you. Therefore, you don't use the same kind of facial and body language that you would if communicating visually.

Here's the typical phone talker:
  • Your face upper face goes inactive. When you don't use your eyes, eyebrows and mask area while sounding your voice, your vocal ceiling (soft palate, back of nasal membrane) doesn't lift. That means your throat channel is tighter, and pressure builds up at the vocal cords. You can feel it... after a lengthy time on the phone, your voice is tired!
  • You slump - posture that cramps your ribcage and throws your head a bit forward. When you slump, your compressed ribcage sabotages inhale, breath support and breath control. This causes you to push your voice with a limited high breath and this is tiring to the vocal cords!
  • You don't use your hands. When we talk with our hands we activate muscles that open the ribcage. Without them... you're a 'talking head'... literally... and there goes your breath! 
BUT... you can talk on the phone without vocal fatigue if you do it differently. While on the phone, use the same body language you (hopefully) would when animatedly talking to someone face to face.
  • Talk with your face... paying special attention to using eye language.
  • Talk with your hands.
  • Talk with good posture... head balanced over tailbone in a chair, or over heels standing. Walk around if you're standing to avoid freezing your legs.
Talking on the phone can be a good way to practice good vocal technique ... the same stuff that works for singing. Try it... your voice will like it!

Need help with your speaking voice? Schedule a lesson in person, via Skype or yes... by phone!

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posted by Unknown @ 7:50 PM  

3 Comments :

  • At October 25, 2011 at 10:25 AM , Anonymous Arne Benoni said...

    Good point, Judy!
    I’ve had that feeling many times, and I’ve been asking myself why a phone conversation wears me out. Now I know, thanks to you. 

     

  • At October 25, 2011 at 11:51 AM , Anonymous Arne Benoni said...

    Hi again!

    I just had a pretty long phone conversation, and tried to be aware of what you just taught me. Believe it or not, my voice doesn’t feel as strained as it normally would. 

     

  • At October 25, 2011 at 11:54 AM , Blogger Unknown said...

    hehe… I believe it, Arne!! Glad it helped… it really should make a difference

     

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