This one’s easy:
Because every time you speak, you use your voice!
When I was on the road as an artist, I used to try to get interviews scheduled for AFTER my performance instead of before, because I noticed that using my speaking voice negatively affected my singing voice.
Now I talk all day and never get vocally tired! It’s truly amazing. When you learn to “pull” instead of “push” your speaking voice out, it seems that you almost communicate by telepathy, it’s so effortless to your throat. You resonate your rich speaking tones out and they invite listening!
Perfect practice makes perfect performance. While I usually don’t like using the “p” word (perfect), I use it to make a point here. Every time you speak you practice using your voice. So watch your mouth, as your mama always said!
For truly in-depth and practical training for your speaking voice, check out my online video course ‘Speaking Voice Technique’.
Kelley Ann Hornyak says
Judy, I love it when you talk about pulling your voice instead of pushing it, whether speaking or singing. This was my problem for years, and 2008 was the first year that I let my poor vocal cords heal. Now those breaks in my voice, those fluttery areas, are mostly if not completely gone. Your method of teaching is superb. I’ve studied Seth Riggs, Brett Manning, you name it–and your knowledge and experience, in my opinion, is far superior. Thank you for everything!
Judy Rodman says
Kelley- Thank you so much for feedback on my teaching. Your vocal healing and improvement are what give my efforts value.
The fact that you took the time to send this comment speaks to your thoughtful and generous spirit. I am grateful to have any part in setting a voice such as yours free.
Your award-winning poetry continues to inspire me, especially “Good Enough On The Ground http://kelleyhornyak.blogspot.com/2009/01/new-poetry-good-enough-on-ground.html.
Kelley Ann Hornyak says
Judy, thank you so much. I can’t put into words how grateful I am for your support and your knowledge. And thank you for the beautiful comment on my poem as well!
PaulaA says
What do you mean specifically/technically when you say to pull your words/voice instead of pushing? (I’ve never been to your site before and am curious about this suggestion.)
Judy says
Paula… what I mean by “pulling” your voice is that the sensation of forming the word (articulating) should be that of pulling that word out of your vocal resonance cave (mouth, nose,sinuses) instead of pushing it out of your mouth. Jamie Vendera, a rock teacher whose method is called “Raise Your Voice”, calls this sensation the “inhalation sensation”. What is physically happening? Your anatomical movements result in great breath control. You use exactly what you need to vibrate your cords and no more. And your throat channel not only is open but slightly expands by the articulation of the word.It’s an amazing paradigm shift for anyone who has the habit of pushing their voice out…which results in vocal strain that becomes a very familiar, though unnecessary feeling.) Hope this helps. I think I’ll do a longer blogpost on it pretty soon- thanks so much for the great question!
Kelley Ann Hornyak says
I’ll be looking forward to that post on this as well. 🙂