Sustaining Your Voice

Perhaps you've wondered:  Is it proper technique to clear your throat?  When presenting or singing, is it OK to bend over towards the audience?  How do you pronounce the articles a and the?  Is it, Give me a (“ay”) break, or Give me a (“uh”) break? 

Here are the answers:

Avoid Clearing Your Throat

Avoid clearing your throat (audibly).  Audibly clearing your throat is detrimental to your vocal cords.  There is a way to clear your throat called "the silent cough" where there is no sound made while clearing your throat.  It’s a mix between swallowing and clearing your sinus passages—at the same time.  Another safe way to clear your throat is by drinking water.  

Keep Your Body Erect

Refrain from bending at the waist, which is a no-no in singing.  It constricts the diaphragm.  And, with all of your movement on stage, be sure that you are rooted and stabilized in your diaphragmatic breathing.  You want to be breathing from that core area, not your chest. 

Diction:  “A”

In this sentence the a is an article.  The article a is pronounced "uh", as in duh.  (This also pertains to the phrase, “a lot”).

Example:  There is a (uh) cat.

The letter in the alphabet a is pronounced "ay", as in day.  

Example:  The alphabet begins with the letter a (ay).

Diction:  “The”

If it comes before a consonant it’s pronounced “thuh”, as in duh.

Example:  The (thuh) dog is running.

If it comes before a vowel sound, it’s pronounced “thee”.  (This also pertains to the silent “h” as in honor).

Example:  The (thee) elephant is sleeping.

These are a few of the major points of vocal technique to get you started.  Look for more information in the future! : )