In good voice

Back at uni, I had a nickname, and not exactly a flattering one. They called me “Mickey Mouse.” Why? Because my voice sounded just as high-pitched and squeaky as the cartoon character’s.

Would you have seen me in a profession requiring intense vocal use? Technically, it would have been possible. But I didn’t want to go down that road. Not just out of vanity (okay, maybe a little bit), but mainly because constantly speaking in an unnaturally high pitch isn’t healthy for your vocal cords. The truth is: that wasn’t my natural voice back then. I just hadn’t discovered it yet.

It all changed when I started to take voice training and vocal lessons. With targeted exercises and loads of recordings, I learned how to use my voice more efficiently and sustainably.

These days, especially before an assignment, I will start by doing specific exercises to warm up my voice. One of my favorites uses vowel sounds to create a soft, clean onset and better vocal placement.

For example:

• “Andy is always angry.”

• “Oliver always orders orange omelettes.”

Yes, it sounds a bit silly, but it’s fun, and more importantly, it feels amazing.

Level 2: try it with a wine cork in your mouth 😉