6 Tips for Strengthening Your Voice

Help! I tried out for a play but was told that I didn't get the part
because my "voice wasn't strong enough"! What can I do?

A. There are a lot of ways to train your voice. Start with these six
steps:

1. SING, wherever possible, 2 of your favorite songs: one that

sounds like your voice, and one that doesn't. Sing them exactly
like the singer does, don't pause or drop verses.

2. Do some Tongue Twisters wherever possible, especially before

rehearsals or auditions.

3. Read Edgar Allan Poe's "THE IMP OF THE PERVERSE" aloud,

until you can do it without mispronouncing any words. (When
you've achieved that, outdo yourself by rehearsing The
Architect's Speech from THE MATRIX RELOADED).

4. Make sure your posture's good and you stand as erect as

possible--this produces the longest, clearest 'speaking channel'
through the torso.

5. Keep your throat moistened with enough pure water. (Hint: if

you take a menthol cough drop after every performance, you will
rarely, if ever, lose your voice.)

6. Improve your breathing by

exhaling for a count of 15,
inhaling for a count of 10,
and holding that breath for a
count of 20. (You don't have
to breathe like this all the
time, just perhaps 10 times a
day or whenever you
remember to...it'll also
increase your energy level.)

By K.K.

PS: More excellent voice and

audition tips can be found in
this remarkable CD (available for iPod & iPhone, too). Visit here.