Try these simple exercises to improve your vocal efficiency
What's the story
Singers, speakers, and anyone interested in optimizing their voice can benefit from exercises to improve vocal efficiency.
The glottis is the part of the throat responsible for sound production, and its efficiency directly affects the quality and power of the voice.
This article provides a list of five exercises that can help strengthen the glottal function, leading to a more resonant and powerful voice.
Breath management
Breath control for stronger vocals
Breath control is key to improving glottal efficiency.
Take a deep breath in for four counts, hold it for four counts, and then exhale slowly for eight counts.
This exercise will not only help you manage your breath better but also strengthen the muscles around your glottis, resulting in better control over your voice.
Humming warm-up
The power of humming
Humming is a great warm-up because it gets your glottis ready for singing or speaking.
By humming gently with your lips closed and teeth slightly apart, you create a resonant space in your mouth and throat.
This exercise smooths the transition between different pitches and tones, while reducing strain on the vocal cords.
Scales exercise
Scale practice enhances pitch control
Practicing scales isn't only about hitting the right notes; it's also about training your voice to control the glottal closure when moving between notes.
Starting with a basic C major scale, sing up and down the scale using various vowel sounds such as "ah," "ee," "oo."
This way, you're making sure to work out your whole vocal range, which will help you build flexibility and strength in your voice.
Laughter exercise
The silent laugh technique
The silent laugh technique entails imitating the action of laughter silently, i.e. without generating any sound.
This special exercise works wonders for the diaphragm and abs, and it also helps alleviate strain around the glottis.
By practicing it regularly, you can vastly improve your breath support for singing or speaking.
It encourages correct diaphragmatic usage, which is essential for a strong and effortless voice.
Articulation practice
Articulation drills sharpen clarity
Articulation exercises emphasize clear enunciation of consonants, which in turn fosters glottal efficiency by encouraging fine-tuned control of airflow and vocal fold closure.
Tongue twisters are excellent tools for this, especially when practiced at different speeds. Starting slow ensures clarity, while progressively increasing speed pushes the boundaries of diction and agility.