Changing any behavior or habit usually requires awareness of the problem, a desire to change, a goal to achieve and a plan to reach the goal. Changing vocal behavior to improve your voice is the same. Speaking is so natural that we often do not listen to ourselves as we talk. Since we do not need to think to speak  (which often leads to trouble) many times we do not know what to do when the voice becomes a problem. These ideas are intended to help you change your present vocal behavior and reach your goal or "target voice." As you talk throughout the day keep the ABC’s in mind: Awareness, Breathing, and Coordination.

This means listening to the sound of your voice when speaking. Listen to the quality, loudness, and pitch. Is your voice smooth, rough, strained, hoarse, or breathy? Is it too loud or too weak? How does it feel when you speak? Is it effortful? Do you feel like you are pushing or straining to speak? Do you feel like you are short of breath, does it feel like too much air escapes as you speak or is it difficult to exhale (breathe out) while you are speaking?

Breathing before and while you are speaking.

You need to inhale (breathe in) before speaking and you exhale (breathe out) as you speak. You need adequate breath to speak and the air from your lungs should flow out to make the vocal folds vibrate to produce voice as you speak or sing.

Coordinate.

The balance of exhaling, air flowing through the larynx (voice box) as the vocal folds close and begin vibrating is extremely important for efficient voice production and speaking. If there is inadequate breath it will be difficult to control the air flow or vibrate the vocal folds properly and the voice may be weak. If the vocal folds close together too tightly they will not be able to vibrate as they should and the voice may sound strained. If the vocal folds do not close as they should the voice will be weak or breathy.

Voice therapy works to balance breathing, air flow, and vocal fold vibration to produce the best, most efficient voice possible. In order for therapy to be beneficial and have maximum results it is important for you to be aware of your voice, especially the "target voice," (the one you are working toward), and coordinate your breathing and vocal muscles, (those in your neck and throat such as the vocal folds) before and during the time you talk. This is simple but sometimes not easy to do. For some it takes time. Voice conservation suggestions such as drinking water, not clearing your throat, and not straining the voice will help. Voice production exercises will help to improve the function, tone and flexibility of the muscles used for voice production. Both are important for progress. Trying to use he target voice during conversation bridges the gap between your optimum voice and habitual voice. Be patient, be aware, breathe, and coordinate.