Posture forms the basis for vocal development. For an “instrument” to be used efficiently, it must be held correctly. Sitting up straight, shoulders relaxed and back, balancing a basketball on your head, are all ways of focusing on good posture.

Maintaining good posture also requires muscles which are toned and stretched. Upper body stretching exercises, including the neck muscles may improve your posture. Stretches should be done slowly and without bouncing.
While letting your arms hang at your side, feel the weight of your hands and arms helping to lower your shoulders. Stretches overhead should be done slowly, elongating the muscles along the sides of your rib cage. Give yourself a hug to stretch the back muscles, and clasp hands behind you and lift, to raise the pectoralis (chest) muscles.

Shoulder rolls will help to reduce tension in the neck and shoulder muscles. Neck stretches to the side will help to relax and release tension around the larynx (voice box). During all stretches, Release the Breath. Be sure you are not holding your breath, but instead, exhale and release any tension as you hold the stretch. The exhaled breath is the breath you will speak on, so trust that it will support your voice.

Part 1 , BREATHWORK, on the Voice Aerobics™ dvd contains easy to follow exercises which will help you focus on posture, relaxation, and diaphragmatic breathing, all key elements to having a healthy voice.

These monthly articles are intended to: educate, enlist your participation in your own care, and empower you to advocate for your self or others .
(Re-printable with permission from the author: Mary Spremulli,MA,CCC-SLP. Send correspondence to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com)

About the author: Mary Spremulli,MA,CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and licensed nurse. A national lecturer, with publications on the topic of Patient Education and Ethics, and with a special interest in physician-patient communication.