Association of Music Personnel in Public Radio 
Spring 2001 

    Breathing is the most natural thing we do every day. We inhale to bring fresh, oxygenated air into our lungs to replace the carbon dioxide which we then exhale. This process is fairly simple. We inhale and exhale on a regular rhythm. Each inhalation is about the same length as the exhalation and each cycle is about the same length as the previous one.
     In a performance situation, however, people sometimes interfere with this natural process. As a result, their delivery may become forced and unnatural and their voices thin and weak. Without proper breathing and breath control, the voice isn’t as efficient or effective as it could be. 
     Right now, become aware of how you’re breathing. Don’t try to change anything. Simply be aware of what your stomach muscles and chest are doing. When you inhale your abdominal wall is pushed out by your diaphragm, your rib cage expands and your chest lifts slightly. It’s similar to what happens when you blow up a balloon. As you exhale the reverse happens; your abdominal wall and rib cage relax and your chest collapses a bit. 
     If you’re having trouble feeling the natural way of breathing, here are exercises to try.
     Blow up a party balloon. Feel the pressure on the abdominal muscles and diaphragm (the muscles you’ll also use when you breathe to speak).
Pant quickly. As you gradually slow down, notice how your stomach is moving. This is the same movement you should have when you inhale and exhale to speak.
 When you breathe to speak, the regular rhythm changes. You inhale fairly quickly and take in just as much air as you think you’ll need for what you plan to say. Then you exhale slowly and conserve the air, so that you don’t run out until you’ve finished expressing your ideas. If you don’t control the breath and do run out of air (especially on the ends of your sentences and phrases), you’ll sound strained, weak, breathy, or gravelly.
     Here are some exercises to help you “connect” with the breath:
     Lie on the floor with a book on your abdominal area. Make the book rise and fall as you breathe.
     Now, add some sound to that breath. Stand. It’s much easier to get a full, complete breath when you do. (You should also stand when you’re voicing copy or doing other recording.)
     Take a deep breath and count slowly as far as you can without gasping. Repeat, trying to get a few more numbers each time. Aim for sixty. You can also use the letters of the alphabet or days of the week or months in a year, almost anything. Keep track of your progress. If you keep your articulation sharp and clear, this also makes a good warmup before you speak or go on-air. As you count, don’t waste breath. Give [f], [s], [v], [th] only enough air to make the sound. These sounds are notorious breath wasters.
     Breath support and control are essential for a good voice. Practice the exercises until you are naturally breathing correctly no matter where you are. 
     A word of caution: your voice may get tired, but should never HURT. If it does, stop and get professional help.

Candice M. Coleman, Ph.D. works with clients who want to improve their voices and communication skills through presentations, coaching/consulting and learning resources. She can be reached at 314-621-9228. © Say It Well! Inc. 2000.