HEALTHY LIFESTYLE · JULY 2018
SINGING LESSONS CAN IMPROVE PUBLIC SPEAKING
I ’ ve taught a wide range of students who ’ ve had many different goals in mind . Many students are shocked to learn that singing lessons are a valuable conduit to improve their vocal range , intonation , and confidence as a public speaker .
The most common downfall of public speaking is the proper use of diaphragmatic breathing . Sure , you breathe every day , but it is how you use the breath that makes all the difference . Singing lessons teach you how to gracefully breathe into the lowest part of your lungs , feeling expansion both in the front and back of the body . This deep , full breath is an automatic gateway to using the diaphragm for power rather than using the extreme limitations of the throat , which occurs when drawing air into the chest area . When done properly , you can use your full capacity of sound and bring a rich and enthralling tone of voice to the surface that will grab your audience ’ s attention .
This conscious effort will also aid in the longevity of your voice , as it will allow the sound to move with an open throat and in a fully aligned and relaxed body . Singing lessons bring awareness to this process . You will begin to be more responsive to the texture and quality of the sounds you make and will learn how to utilize them to your advantage .
Let ’ s face it . Although public speaking involves charisma and some extended vocabulary , the most essential characteristic is the ability to speak naturally with true power and confidence . I ’ ve worked with teachers , gym instructors , radio personalities , executives , TV hosts , as well as other professions called upon to make moving presentations , and all innately know that their voice is the most prevailing asset in their profession .
Singing is a gateway to enhance a person ’ s public speaking ability . Singers also become more acquainted with their vocal production based on their speaking voice . To put this in layman ' s terms , the voice is one in the same whether we are singing or speaking . It is created from the larynx , powered by the breath and then moves out through the mouth . When the breath and vocal folds meet , vibration occurs . That vibration produces sound .
It is generally the bone structure of your face that holds the initial , unique tone and quality of your sound . Other factors include the size and shape of the rest of your body . The environment in which you grew up in is also an important factor in the quality of your sound . It created a foundation for the way you use your voice and the sound quality of your voice that has remained with you throughout the years . The notion of taking singing lessons can feel intimidating , but enhancing your voice is imperative for anyone who wants their message to resonate and make it connect with your listening audience . Singing lessons tie all these factors together while organically boosting confidence and providing the basis for creating a strong speaker platform .
Building more confidence in your public speaking through singing lessons is a bonus you ’ ll be glad you sought . Your voice alone is the home of extreme vulnerability . Singing exposes that vulnerability far more than any other tactic . An important part of public speaking is how comfortable you are in front of an audience and how well you can connect and interact with them . You ’ ll be surprised how singing can bring about another facet to your personality and can open a portal of emotions to face , thus being able to conquer the stage and relate to more people you speak to . After years of working with students , I can attest to the power of this technique .
Singing lessons to help public speakers has many more positive and exciting layers to it . I encourage you to explore this concept . It can ’ t hurt and if nothing , you will enjoy learning something new . Give it a try !
By Cassandra Claude
26 HEALTHY MAGAZINE