I’ve posted several times about breath, and how it is the foundation for speech. Here’s a little exercise to support your breath support:
- Begin by taking large breaths. Slowly in, slowly out.
- Now do this through your mouth.
- Now add a little pressure, make a sssss noise or a zzzzz noise. Keep the breaths long and even.
- Do this sitting down! Lots of oxygen can make you quite dizzy!
This is a ground-work kind of exercise. It’s not something you think of consciously while performing, but the practice will bolster other voice work. As you do this one, be aware of your rib cage and the lungs inside that bony protection.