Transformative Steps to Loving Your Voice
Read Time: 3mins
Today, I want to guide you through your journey towards loving the unique sound of your own voice. Many of us, myself included, have faced moments of doubt upon hearing our voices. Whether it’s a recording that doesn’t sound right or the echo of our singing that falls short of expectations, the path to voice acceptance can seem challenging. Yet, it’s a journey filled with worth and discovery.
The Power of Understanding
Let’s begin with some enlightenment. Did you know that the way you hear your voice is unlike anyone else’s perception of it? This phenomenon occurs because sound vibrations travel through your body, reaching your ears internally via bone conduction, as well as the external sound waves. This dual perception is why your voice sounds different to you compared to others. Acknowledging this can be your first step in appreciating your voice’s uniqueness.
A Tale of Two Perceptions
The first time I heard my singing voice on a recording, it was both a revelation and a shock. Like many of you, I found it hard to reconcile the voice in my head with the one on the playback. This common journey moves from critique to curiosity and finally to comfort. It’s one many of us share, finding solace in understanding the science behind our vocal mechanics.
Exercises for Exploration
Practice, patience, and a hint of playfulness pave the path to loving your voice. Let’s explore a couple of transformative exercises.
The Vowel Game
Start with the basics: the vowels /EE/, /AH/, and /OO/. Say these vowels followed by your name, noticing the sound and feel of each. For instance, “/EE/, Dr Dan,” then “/AH/, Dr Dan,” and finally, “/OO/, Dr Dan.” Each vowel shape brings out a unique resonance and sensation in your voice. Discovering the position that feels most natural and true to you is the goal. I found ‘/EE/’ brought a bright clarity, while ‘/AH/’ felt fuller. It’s about finding the sweet spot for your voice.
Navigating Nasality
Nasality can be a point of contention. An overly nasal voice was a challenge I faced, especially during my teenage years. The key to managing nasality lies in awareness and adjustment. By saying “go” and focusing on your lips’ movement, you learn about the balance between nasal and oral resonance. This simple exercise can lead to a more controlled and pleasant sound.
Embracing the Journey
Loving your voice is a deeply personal journey. It involves embracing every aspect of your vocal identity. Beyond initial discomfort, you’ll discover the joy and freedom your voice offers. Remember, your voice is as unique as you are. It’s capable of conveying emotions, stories, and identity in ways no one else’s can.
Together, We Sing
I encourage you to join me in exploring your voice. Practice the exercises and share your experiences. This journey is about changing how you feel about your voice. It’s about turning self-doubt into growth and self-discovery.
As we conclude, I urge you to engage with others on this path. Your voice is a powerful instrument of expression deserving of love. Let’s continue this conversation, sharing our struggles and successes. Remember, the journey to loving your voice is as rewarding as the destination. Sing well, and let’s embark on this journey together.
For more about learning to love your voice again, check out this video…
Disclaimer: This blog post was generated by ChatGPT-4, an AI language model, based on Dr Dan’s video script (original work). For a comprehensive understanding of the topic, we suggest watching the original video above.
— TOOLS for SINGERS —
* FREE 7 Day Vocal Technique Detox
* More Vocal Exercises
* Dr Dan’s Online Singing Course