Here’s one of my fav posts from five years ago. I hope you’ll read the comments section, and, also contribute to it!
I think we all have a vocal warm-up we love. For me it’s yawning. Why do I like yawning? Yawning has been used for centuries as a technique to relax the throat and improve the voice. Go ahead. Try it. Yawn like you do when you’re so tired you can’t keep your eyes open. Can you feel that your neck and throat seem less tense? A good yawn relaxes the larynx (voice box) and throat and also promotes deep breathing. In addition, it forces you to open your mouth widely. All of these things will make you sound better when you begin your broadcast.
I’ll give you one example of the benefit. Do you ever hear those pesky audible intakes of air when you’re recording? They are the result of not opening your mouth and/or constricting your throat. Yawning before and during breaks in your recording might just eliminate them. The breath stream should come up through an open, relaxed throat such as you get when you yawn. To learn more about this, check out my video.
Now it’s your turn. Leave a comment below to pass along your favorite vocal warm-up. Share with other readers and tell us what you like…..
Hydrate. Drinking water is good for you, especially your voice. Caffeine? Not so much Dries you out.
As the Sons of the Pioneers used to sing…”Cool, clear …. water.”
Great advice, Brian! You’ve listened to me preach this in many workshops all over the country! Great memories 🙂
I have read just about every review on this site. I also watched the video on how to breath properly. I was shocked to learn that vocalist and broadcasters perform the same vocal exercise to prep the voice. I also learned something that I had forgotten about which is yawning and stretching to relax my vocal folds and body. You are quite informational Ann. Thank you for taking the time to make broadcasting easier. With these tools, I can become an better on air personality.
Thank you so much for your kind comments. I’m happy that what I’m posting is helpful for you. Please keep checking back to read my latest posts, and if you have any topics you’d like me to write about, do let me know.
Thanks again.
Ann
Off anf on, I sing and vocalize the vowel sounds. They have short term results. What warm-up would help with long-term success?
There are two types of warm-ups One focuses on the vocal folds and that’s what your singing does. Another focuses on your articulators. I think these are very important. Ck out some I recommend at http://onlinevoicecoaching.com/?p=278.
Thanks for a great article. Yawning is awesome, as well as humming.
Humming is really a great one! Thanks for mentioning it, Kimberly.