Question:

I’d like to ask about voice coaching/lessons to improve the sound of my voice. I don’t think it’s very interesting or compelling…and I’m in a professional job where it should be. 
Similarly in social settings, people can never seem to hear me…it’s almost like my voice gets muffled along with whatever is in the background. I’m a 44 year old female.
 I don’t recall this being an issue when I was younger but it has bothered me for the past 8 years or so. I’ve lived all over the world and maybe it’s just a mutt voice but any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer:

There are a few elements of vocal function that contribute to being heard:

— a clear tone without extra air in it (if your voice is diffuse and breathy you can play with starting the sound with a little squeak. Once you get a clearer sound relax and let the squeak just be in your imagination to create the very core of the tone.)

— resonance in all the cavities of your body and head (trachea, bronchi, larynx, mouth, nose, spaces behind the larynx, mouth and nose, and a little even in the sinuses). Add vibrations in your chest by moaning on a low sound; add them in the head by humming or using a nasty, nasal voice.

— articulation (crisp, clear consonants)

. Don’t exaggerate the consonants or make them big; better to make them fast and precise.

An interesting voice is almost musical:

— there is rhythmic variation,

— modulation of pitch and

— emotional inflection.

There is nuance in the tone to accompany shades of meaning. 

Everyone can do these things — it doesn’t take a special voice. However, we can all do them more easily with awareness, practice and, perhaps, with coaching. If you have the resources I would certainly encourage you to seek a coach. You might also benefit from the exercises on my VOCAL TUNE-UP FOR SPEAKERS, which can be downloaded on the site or by finding other downloadable resources offered by other coaches and teachers.