Weekly Insight #11: Breath as the Foundation of Voice—Finding Openness and Expansion

While in Guéthary, France, near where I’ve been rehearsing and performing La Traviata, I was struck by the openness of the sky above me. It reminded me of the essential foundation of breath in voice production—how taking in the air with awareness creates a sense of expansion and release, both physically and mentally.

Margaret Harshaw, who shaped much of my understanding of voice, often emphasized that any challenges in vocal production can be traced back to two things: how we take the air and what we do with the air once we have it. It sounds simple, but I’ve found that this foundational principle holds true in every situation. Whether you’re singing an operatic phrase, delivering a speech, or simply trying to express a thought clearly, how you connect with your breath can make all the difference.

The Importance of Intentional Breathing

I can’t stress enough how important it is to establish a conscious connection to breath. It isn’t just about taking a deep breath; it’s about doing so with intention. Every time we vocalize—whether in a musical line or a spoken phrase—there needs to be a cognitive, mindful connection with the breath. This foundation is what allows for a more open, resonant, and supported sound.

The process of reconnecting with our breath isn’t about learning something new; it’s about remembering something that’s already within us. We all know how to breathe. But, in moments of performance or stress, we may find that our body’s reactions to the intake of air aren’t always what we intend. Recognizing and addressing these reactions can lead to a more fluid, natural, and powerful vocal output.

Adapting the Farinelli Breathing Exercise

The original Farinelli breathing exercise, dating back to the 18th century and inspired by the renowned castrato Carlo Broschi (known as Farinelli), was designed to help singers build breath control through three equal phases:

1. Inhalation: Slow and steady through the nose, filling the lower abdomen.

2. Suspension: Holding the breath while keeping the upper body relaxed.

3. Exhalation: A slow, controlled release of air through pursed lips.

Over my years of teaching, I’ve adapted this exercise to better suit modern singers and speakers, emphasizing self-awareness and readiness over strict control. Here’s how I’ve personalized it:

1. Inhalation: Imagine sipping air gently through a straw. This helps regulate how much air you take in, ensuring a steady and focused intake while engaging the diaphragm.

2. Suspension: Rather than simply holding the breath, I emphasize a sense of readiness. The aim is to maintain openness in the chest and throat, preparing to vocalize without any unnecessary tension. The word “hold” often leads to tensing up, so I prefer to use “suspend” or “pause.”

3. Exhalation: Release the air gently using a soft 'S' or hissing sound. This allows you to hear and monitor how much air you’re letting out, helping you develop control over breath release while maintaining a relaxed diaphragm.

Breath as Openness and Expansion

Just like the expansive sky over Guéthary, the breath represents openness and potential. When we engage with it fully, we create the space needed for vocal resonance, emotional expression, and clear communication. As singers, speakers, and communicators, we must always return to this foundational element, building upon it in everything we do.

The next time you prepare to speak or sing, take a moment to check in with your breath. Are you connected to it in a mindful way? Are you allowing it to create the space for a more resonant sound? By making breath awareness a consistent part of your practice, you’ll find that the voice follows naturally, with less effort and more ease.

If you’re interested in exploring more about breath as the foundation of voice and other vocal techniques, you can find detailed insights in my book. It’s filled with practical tools for developing a more authentic and powerful voice.

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Weekly Insight #10: Trusting Your Voice—Overcoming Doubt When You’re On the Spot

Recently, I was invited to participate in a special gathering of Cirque du Toreros in Bayonne, a group that’s involved in our current opera production. Several members of this group are actually matadors, and it was an intriguing evening that blended elements of opera with this unique culture. Over dinner, I was asked to sing an aria from La Traviata. Although I was tired, I agreed because it felt like a wonderful opportunity to share my voice with people who aren’t familiar with opera but might be curious to experience it. The audience was highly appreciative, which made the experience even more meaningful.

As I prepared to sing, I noticed something I’ve seen many singers do when they’re unsure about their voice in a less-than-ideal setting: they tend to vocalize and warm up repeatedly, as if to reassure themselves that their voice is still there. It’s a common response in unpredictable environments, especially when singers are tired or facing less-than-optimal conditions. The urge to keep testing the voice, to make sure it’s ready, is understandable. But I’ve found that in these moments, it’s more about maintaining focus and trust in the breath and mind than constantly testing the voice.

Despite the less-than-ideal space—an electric keyboard, ambient noise, and fatigue—I felt focused and ready to sing. Everything was going well until the very end of the aria. Something happened with the accompaniment, which momentarily distracted me. I lost my focus just for a second, and as I went for one of the final notes, it didn’t quite connect as I intended. It wasn’t a complete crack, but it wasn’t perfect either. The moment passed quickly, and while the rest of the performance was well-received and touched everyone in the room, I couldn’t shake that small hiccup.

Since that moment, I’ve found myself replaying it over and over in my head. Even though I haven’t had this issue with the aria in other rehearsals or performances, I started to worry: What if I make the same mistake again? This small doubt, this fear of repetition, began to creep in. And that’s when I realized that this kind of thinking could easily spiral into what I like to call a self-fulfilling prophecy.

It’s not uncommon for performers to latch onto one small mistake and magnify its significance. The fear of making the same mistake again can lead to catastrophizing—a narrative we create in our heads where we imagine everything going wrong. In truth, this one moment was minor and didn’t detract from the overall performance. But by focusing on it, I allowed it to take up more space in my mind than it deserved.

What I find interesting about these moments is that, even after years of practice and knowing exactly what I’m doing, doubt can still creep in. You may have practiced something hundreds of times, knowing it inside and out, but when the moment arrives, that small voice of doubt asks: Can I actually do what I know I can do?

Margaret Harshaw, a mentor who has been incredibly influential in my career, used to say something that sticks with me to this day: “You will the voice to do what you wish it to do.” It’s such a simple statement, but it carries a lot of weight. The moment you allow doubt to slip in, even for a second, you lose that focused will. But when you trust that the support, the technique, and the practice are all there, the voice will follow naturally—even if you aren’t actively thinking about it.

This is a phenomenon I’ve found fascinating over the years. The very act of letting go of control, when paired with proper training, allows the body to engage in the way it needs to. Support doesn’t have to be constantly commanded—sometimes, the body knows what to do if you trust it enough to let go.

As I work through this, I’m reminded of something important: when we speak or sing in public, each moment is fleeting. What comes out, comes out. And most of the time, what we produce is fine—perhaps even better than we think. But the mind has a way of clinging to imperfections, and if we’re not careful, we can start to build a story around them that isn’t based in reality.

In moments like this, the key is to realize the thought, acknowledge it, and then let it go. Instead of replaying the moment over and over, I’m learning to trust my preparation, my training, and my ability to perform in the moment. The voice is a living, breathing instrument, and sometimes things won’t go exactly as planned. But that’s okay.

What I’m beginning to understand is that the real catastrophe isn’t the small crack or misstep—it’s the fear of it happening again that can sabotage future performances. The fear of repeating a mistake can tighten the muscles, constrict the breath, and distract the mind—leading us right into the very situation we’re trying to avoid. It becomes a cycle, where our anxiety about imperfection creates more imperfection.

The real work lies in breaking that cycle. By recognizing the fear for what it is—an overblown reaction to a small moment—we can diffuse its power. We can remind ourselves that even if a note doesn’t land perfectly, the performance as a whole can still move and inspire. We can trust that the audience will take in the bigger picture, not just the fleeting details.

As I prepare for the next performance, I’m focusing on the present, on trusting my body, my breath, and my voice. Each time I go to sing or speak, I remind myself that the moment is what it is, and that I am prepared to handle whatever comes. The more I let go of the fear, the more I open myself to the possibility of delivering something genuine and powerful—without the shadow of past mistakes looming over me.

So next time you find yourself replaying a small mistake in your mind, ask yourself: Am I preparing for this moment, or am I preparing for the fear of it? Letting go of the fear is the first step to moving forward, to delivering your best self in the present.

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Weekly Insight #9: How Emotional Energy Affects Our Voice and Body

There are moments in life where the energy in the room—whether positive or negative—deeply affects how we feel, how we communicate, and even how we carry ourselves. I recently had one of those moments during a rehearsal that was filled with passionate energy. The intensity was palpable, and I found myself swept up in the mix of emotions, both positive and negative. As I reflected on the experience, I realized how much that energy impacted my own body language, voice, and overall presence.

It was a moment where I felt pulled in two directions: wanting to engage with the conversations happening around me, but at the same time recognizing that the frustration in the air was affecting me in ways I hadn’t expected.

How Emotional Energy Affects the Body and Voice
As a performer and singer, I’m keenly aware of how the body and voice are interconnected. In this particular rehearsal, I noticed that the repeated frustrations and high emotions started to manifest physically. My shoulders tensed, my breath became shallow, and without realizing it, my voice began to take on a harsher tone, even when I was trying to stay neutral.

What struck me the most was how unaware I was at first of these changes. It was only after stepping back and reflecting that I realized how deeply the energy of the room had influenced me. Without speaking, my body and voice were responding to the environment around me—communicating emotions I hadn’t consciously intended.

The Power of the Breath Reset
In moments like this, I’ve learned the value of taking a breath—literally. When I feel the urge to say something, especially when it’s driven by tension or frustration, I pause and breathe deeply. This simple act can be a powerful reset. It doesn’t take long, but it allows me to clear my mind, check my tone, and relax the tension in my body. Sometimes, after taking that breath, I find that I don’t need to say anything at all. Other times, I proceed with more clarity and intention.

For me, the breath reset is a tool that helps bridge the gap between impulse and action. It’s something I’ve come to rely on not just in performance but in moments of personal and professional stress. It’s a reminder that we always have a choice in how we engage with the emotions and energy around us.

Using Your Voice with the Breath
Much like the intensity of the sun in the image above, the energy in a room can sometimes feel overwhelming. But just as the sun’s reflection on the water softens and spreads, calm breaths can influence both ourselves and those around us. When I breathe deeply and speak from a place of calm, I notice that others often mirror that energy without even realizing it. It’s a subtle shift, but one that can change the dynamic of the room. By staying aware of my breath and how it connects to my voice, I’m able to create a more positive and calming influence in the environment

Reflecting on our rehearsal, I realized that while I couldn’t change the overall energy of the group, I could control how I responded to it. The combination of awareness and breath gave me the space to decide how I wanted to engage. In moments like this, it’s easy to get pulled into the emotional current, but by taking a step back, I was able to shift from reacting to the energy to influencing it in a more positive way.

Communicating with Awareness
Our voice and body language often communicate more than we realize, especially in high-energy environments. By staying aware of how the energy around us affects our body and voice, we can make conscious choices to communicate with more intention and presence. Taking a breath can be a simple yet powerful tool in this process, giving us the space to reset and respond from a place of calm rather than tension.

Checking in:
The next time you find yourself in a charged environment, check in with yourself. How is your breath? What is your body language saying? And most importantly, how can you use your voice to contribute to a more positive and constructive conversation?

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Weekly Insight #8 Part 2  Moving Beyond Imitation: How to Add Your Voice to the Words

When we’re given a script to memorize or a speech to deliver word-for-word, it can be challenging to make those words feel like our own. It’s easy to sound mechanical or disconnected, even if we’ve practiced the lines over and over. So how do we bring ourselves into the performance? How do we make prescribed language, whether written by someone else or by us, sound genuine and authentic?

In Part 1, we explored how mindful répétition can elevate our performance and allow us to connect more deeply with the material. Today, in Part 2, we’ll take it a step further and look at how we can move beyond simple imitation. We’ll discuss how to infuse our personal voice into memorized language so that it feels true to who we are, whether we’re on stage, in a boardroom, or speaking one-on-one.

Sometimes we’re required to deliver language exactly as written, especially in settings like speeches, presentations, or even formal performances. When that happens, we risk sounding like we’re “reading from a script” or delivering lines without conviction. This is a common feedback given to contestants on shows like The Voice or American Idol: “It sounds too much like karaoke.” The criticism here is that the performance, although skillful, lacks personal flair or emotional connection.

The challenge, then, is to bridge the gap between the words on the page and our authentic selves. It’s not just about repeating what’s been written—it’s about transforming those words into something that feels personal, tangible, and real.

Strategies for Moving Beyond Imitation

1. Understand the Core Meaning Behind the Words
   The first step is to truly understand the core meaning and intent behind the words. What is the purpose of each line? What emotion does it convey? What response do you want to elicit from your audience? This understanding helps you connect with the text on a deeper level and brings out a more genuine delivery.

2. Personalize the Delivery
   While the words may be fixed, your delivery isn’t. Consider how you would naturally express the same ideas if you were speaking spontaneously. Think about the emphasis, pacing, and tone you might use. By adding your own inflections and pauses, you can make the text sound more like your authentic voice.

3. Create an Emotional Map
   Map out the emotions and shifts in tone throughout the text. Where do you want to build tension? When should your delivery be softer, faster, or slower? Visualizing these changes will help you inhabit the material more fully, making it feel less like memorization and more like a natural conversation.

4. Use a Mirror or a Reverse Camera View
   There’s no shame in using a mirror or a reverse view on a tablet or iPad to check in on your performance. It’s not necessary to do this all the time, but it can be helpful to see what others are seeing and hearing. Often, what we think we’re projecting doesn’t always match what’s coming across. Taking a moment to check yourself visually and audibly can provide valuable feedback and allow you to make subtle adjustments that bring more authenticity and presence to your delivery.

5. Practice Visualizing Your Audience
   Before delivering your speech or performance, imagine your audience and what you want them to feel. This visualization helps ground your performance and brings a sense of immediacy and connection to the delivery.

6. Engage Physically with the Text
   Your voice isn’t the only tool for communication—your body language, facial expressions, and gestures all play a role. Use these to reinforce your message. Moving in a way that feels natural to you while speaking can make the words flow more authentically.

7. Build Confidence Through Practice
   Repetition isn’t just about refining the material—it’s also about building confidence in your delivery. Practicing in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or rehearsing with a trusted friend can help you ensure that what you’re delivering is transmitting the message you intend. As the old saying goes: “Practice, practice, practice.” With each round, you solidify not just the words but your presence and assurance that your audience will receive the message exactly as you wish.

As I continue to work on La Traviata, I’ve found that making the French dialogue feel authentic and personal requires more than just memorization. Each day of répétition, I ask myself: “How would I say this if these were my own thoughts? How can I bring more of myself into these lines?” I focus on understanding the emotional context of each scene and visualize how I would respond naturally. This has made it possible for me to bring life and spontaneity into a script that might otherwise feel rigid.

One line from Widmung has stayed with me during this process:

Du hebst mich liebend über mich,
Mein guter Geist, mein bess'res Ich!

This phrase, which translates to You raise me lovingly above myself, my good spirit, my better self, reminds me that repetition isn’t about perfecting the words—it’s about elevating them through mindful engagement and connecting with the material in a way that feels authentic and true to my voice.

Ideas to ponder:

Next time you have to deliver a text exactly as written, ask yourself: 

• How can I transform these words into a true reflection of who I am? 

• What emotional shifts or personal experiences can I draw upon to make the language resonate more deeply? 

• How can repetition help me turn abstract words into something that feels genuine and embodied?

There’s no shame in using every tool at your disposal—from mirrors and reverse views to visualizations and physical engagement—to refine and personalize your performance. The more you practice, the more confident you become that your message is coming across exactly as you intend. By engaging deeply with the material, understanding the intent behind the words, and allowing repetition to bring out your best self, you can elevate memorized language into something more than just words on a page. It becomes your voice—clear, authentic, and undeniably you.

This week, one reader shared a beautiful reflection on how repetition and memorization go beyond mere technical accuracy. They emphasized that repetition is one of the few tools we have to consciously shape who we are and what we become:

"Repetition—and memorization—are one of the few ways that we have direct control over changing who and what we are. Not only is what we choose to memorize a conscious and purposeful decision about what is important to us and who we want to be—it is also something that then stays with us as long as it is embedded in our memory, becoming an aspect of the weave that is our conscious being, i.e., ourselves."

I found this perspective both profound and aligned with the theme of mindful répétition. As the reader pointed out, memorization shapes our conscious being and becomes a part of our identity. It’s a reminder that what we choose to practice and internalize—whether it’s music, language, or literature—is not just a reflection of who we are, but also a choice in who we wish to become.

Their comment adds a rich dimension to this week’s conversation, and I encourage all of you to think about what you’ve memorized and internalized over time. How has it shaped your perception, your inner dialogue, or even your sense of self? Let’s continue this conversation in the comments, as I’d love to hear how repetition has influenced other areas of your life!

This concludes our two-part series on the power of repetition and moving beyond imitation. If you have any personal experiences or thoughts on how to make memorized language your own, I’d love to hear them. Feel free to share in the comments or reach out directly!

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Weekly Insight #7 Part 1 Repeating with Purpose: How Mindful Practice Leads to Authenticity

There’s an interesting linguistic nuance between English and French that’s always caught my attention. In English, the word “repetition” often brings to mind the tedious act of doing the same thing over and over. However, the French word répétition—despite looking similar—is what we’d call a faux ami or “false friend.” It doesn’t mean “repetition” in the same sense; instead, it translates to “rehearsal.” The French language seems to acknowledge that repeating something isn’t just about rote memorization—it’s a deliberate practice, a preparation for the real thing.

When the French speak of répétition, they’re referring to rehearsing with intention, exploring the material each time with the goal of becoming more connected and prepared. This is a subtle but important distinction, and it’s one that I’ve tried to embrace in my own approach to practice. Repetition, whether in singing, public speaking, or any skill, is not just about fixing mistakes—it’s a path to deeper understanding, embodiment, and ultimately, authenticity.

As I prepare to start rehearsals (répétitions) for La Traviata in Biarritz,France. I’ve been practicing the French dialogue daily—not simply to memorize it but to make the language a natural part of my expression. One of the methods I use is creating a PowerPoint where I see only the lines spoken by the other characters before I respond. This way, I’m not just focusing on my own words—I’m responding to what’s being said to me. Each day, I find the language settling more deeply into my mind and body.

Through this type of mindful répétition, I’m able to connect more fully with the dialogue and respond authentically, even if the words themselves are prescribed. This process reminds me of a line from Friedrich Rückert’s Widmung, set to music by Robert Schumann:

Du hebst mich liebend über mich, 
Mein guter Geist, mein bess'res Ich!

Translation:
You raise me lovingly above myself, 
My good spirit, my better self!

These words capture the essence of how I approach mindful repetition—it’s not about achieving technical perfection; it’s about becoming a more elevated version of myself through each round of practice.

Memorizing Text We’ve Written Ourselves
Memorization isn’t limited to dialogue or text that someone else has written. We often have to memorize language we’ve crafted ourselves for a speech or presentation. I’ve found that even when we’re the author of the text, we can feel disconnected from it when delivering it in front of others. This is where repetition—répétition—can make all the difference. It’s about taking words that are on a page and making them an authentic expression of who we are.

Mindful repetition isn’t just about saying the same thing over and over. It’s about finding the rhythm, pacing, and nuances that make the words feel like a true reflection of ourselves. Each round of practice helps us explore new ways to bring our best self into the words, making them come alive.

How to Reframe Repetition as a Positive Tool

1. Reframe Your Mindset: Instead of viewing repetition as a sign of not getting it right, see it as an opportunity to discover new dimensions of the text or skill. Ask yourself, “What new understanding can I gain from this round of practice?”

2. Engage with the Meaning: Don’t just learn the words—immerse yourself in the meaning. Let each repetition feel like a conversation, not a script. By doing so, you can bridge the gap between memorized language and personal expression.

3. Focus on Internalization: The goal is to internalize the material so that it flows naturally. Repetition helps the words, phrases, and emotions settle into your being, making your delivery more authentic and effortless.

4. Be Kind to Yourself: Mistakes are part of the process. The goal isn’t to avoid mistakes but to learn from them. With each repetition, you’re laying the foundation for something more authentic.

Ideas to contemplate

• Next time you’re practicing a piece of text, ask yourself: How can I use repetition to deepen my connection to the words rather than just memorize them? 

• What new insights can you gain about the material through each repetition? 

• How can repetition help elevate your expression and bring out your best self?

When approached mindfully, repetition (répétition) isn’t just about drilling in words—it’s a process of transformation. Whether it’s language we’ve crafted ourselves or text we need to deliver exactly as written, each repetition helps the words settle into us, becoming a natural part of who we are.

This is only Part 1 of a two-part series exploring how repetition and rehearsal can lead to authentic expression and allow us to move beyond simple imitation. In Part 2, we’ll dive deeper into the challenge of making prescribed language your own and transforming memorized text into something that feels natural and uniquely yours.

Stay tuned for Part 2: Moving Beyond Imitation: How to Add Your Voice to the Words, where we’ll discuss strategies for embodying language and using mindful repetition to elevate memorized language into authentic expression.

Note: if you’re viewing this on a mobile device and don’t see the ‘Subscribe for Updates’ option, try switching to the web version of the blog. You can do this by scrolling to the bottom of the page and clicking ‘View web version.’ This will allow you to easily subscribe and stay updated with more insights like this.

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