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?

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.

 

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!

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.

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.

---

 

Weekly Insight #6 The Silent Saboteur: How Negative Self-Talk Undermines Your Performance

Have you ever been in the middle of a performance, conversation, or presentation and suddenly found yourself questioning everything? It’s that inner critic chiming in, making you doubt your abilities. Negative self-talk can creep in at the worst moments, throwing off your focus. And it’s not just performers who experience this—anyone who faces high-pressure situations knows how easily self-doubt can sabotage your best efforts.

Whether you're preparing to give a speech, handling a performance review, or delivering a presentation, negative self-talk can become a major distraction. The challenge is recognizing it and learning how to silence it.

The Power of Internal Dialogue

Even after plenty of practice, it’s common for negative thoughts to surface just when you need to be at your best. For example, I’ve seen this time and time again with my students. Sometimes, they’ll stop themselves right before hitting a note or delivering a line, convinced they’re about to make a mistake. I often joke with them, “Did you realize you hadn’t made that mistake yet?” It’s a lighthearted reminder that their internal dialogue was running the show, making them believe the mistake was already inevitable.

This moment captures just how powerful self-talk can be. The more we think we’re going to fail, the more likely we are to trip ourselves up—even if the mistake hasn’t happened yet. 

The Impact on Your Performance

Whether you’re talking to your boss in a performance review, pitching an idea to a client, or singing on stage, negative self-talk creates tension—both mentally and physically. Your breath becomes shallow, your posture tightens, and your delivery becomes strained.

This internal tension not only affects your delivery but also your ability to connect with your audience. When your focus is divided between performing and battling doubt, it’s hard to stay present and engaged.

Breaking the Cycle of Negative Self-Talk

Here’s the good news: you have control. The first step is recognizing when negative self-talk kicks in. The next is redirecting that mental energy into something productive. You can choose to break the cycle and refocus on the task at hand.

Practical Strategies to Manage Negative Self-Talk:

1. Awareness: Pay attention to when these thoughts arise. Are there specific moments or triggers where your inner critic gets loud? Recognizing the patterns is the first step.

2. Breathe: A deep breath can help reset your focus and calm both your body and mind, getting you back on track.

3. Replace Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself thinking negatively, consciously replace that thought with something more constructive. Instead of “I’m going to mess up,” try “I’ve practiced for this, and I’m ready.”

4. Practice with Support: Rehearse your speech or presentation in front of a trusted friend, family member, or colleague. If that’s not possible, try recording yourself. Watching yourself back gives you valuable feedback and helps quiet that inner doubt.

5. Incorporate Positive Self-Talk into Practice: Integrate positive affirmations into your rehearsals so that your mind naturally leans toward encouragement instead of criticism during high-pressure moments.

A Reminder to Be Kind to Yourself

It’s easy to be your own worst critic. Whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or having a one-on-one conversation, how you talk to yourself matters. The more we learn to be aware of our internal dialogue and actively replace it with positive thoughts, the stronger our performance—and our confidence—will be.

So, next time you find yourself in a high-pressure situation, what will your inner dialogue sound like? Will you choose to support yourself or let self-doubt take control? How can you change your internal script to set yourself up for success?

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.

Weekly Insight #5 Understanding Voice Health (Part II) Healthier Alternatives and Practical Tips for Vocal Health

Last week in Part 1, we explored the role of phlegm, throat clearing, and nervousness in vocal health. Now, let’s look at a few alternatives to manage these sensations and practical strategies to protect your voice that I have found useful over the years.

Organic Alternatives to Throat Clearing and Coughing

Hydration: Keeping your vocal cords hydrated is essential. Dryness can make you hyper-aware of your throat and lead to more throat clearing. Taking small sips of warm, non-dehydrating liquids can soothe your throat and help maintain the natural lubrication of your vocal cords. It’s important to be mindful of your intake of caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration. Striking a balance is key to maintaining vocal health.

Swallowing: Sometimes, a simple swallow can be enough to clear the sensation of needing to cough or clear your throat. Swallowing helps to moisten the throat without causing irritation to the vocal cords, offering a gentle way to alleviate discomfort without resorting to coughing or throat clearing. A favorite lozenge, like a Ricola or similar, can also provide soothing relief by keeping the throat moist and easing the urge to clear it.

Support with Diaphragmatic Breathing: Proper breath support is essential for vocal health. When we feel fatigued or anxious, it’s common to rely less on diaphragmatic breathing and more on shallow breaths. This lack of support strains the voice. Even when your voice feels vulnerable, engaging deeper breath support goes a long way in preventing further irritation.

Voice Rest: Giving your voice time to rest is another important tool in maintaining vocal health. If your vocal cords are irritated from excessive coughing or throat clearing, rest allows them to recover. Additionally, resting your voice when it feels strained helps prevent more severe damage.

Vocal Awareness: The Key to Long-Term Vocal Health

Being aware of how you use your voice isn’t just crucial for protecting your vocal cords—it's a skill that can extend to other areas of life. Whether in public speaking, teaching, or even leadership, awareness is fundamental to effective communication.

Margaret Harshaw, who I found to be a great leader in the area of voice, constantly listened and adapted based on what she heard. Whether it was students or even those she heard speaking on television or radio, she would learn from every voice. Similarly, vocal health also benefits from paying attention and adapting. We use our voice all day, often without much thought—like when talking on the phone. Personally, when I’m feeling a little under, I notice I tend to use less vocal support and fall into what’s sometimes called “talking on the cords.” Staying mindful of how we use our voice throughout the day helps us keep it strong and flexible, even in less obvious moments of voice usage. Knowing how to listen and adapt,  and paying attention to the subtle signals your body gives you can be game changing!

When you become more aware of your voice, you’ll notice that clarity and confidence naturally follow. This awareness not only protects your voice physically but also enhances how you express yourself, making communication feel more effortless and authentic.

Pausing before throat clearing or coughing; it’s a great opportunity to appreciate what’s special about your voice—how it feels, how it resonates, and how it impacts those around you.

Questions for your reflection: 

• Are there specific techniques (like deep breathing or hydration) that have helped you manage throat discomfort in the past?
• When was the last time you consciously focused on your voice during a conversation or performance?

Looking forward to hearing your thoughts! 

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.

 

Weekly Insight #4  
Understanding Voice Health (Part I)
The Role of Phlegm, Throat Clearing, and Nervousness in Vocal Health

The health of your voice is vital to how you communicate, whether in speech or song. Recently, I received a message from someone who has been dealing with persistent coughing for years and is searching for ways to restore their voice. This reminded me of a common issue I see in my teaching: how throat clearing, coughing, and phlegm can affect your vocal cords.

---

Phlegm: The Body’s Protection for Your Voice

When we experience phlegm on our vocal cords, it’s important to remember that phlegm serves a purpose. It’s there to protect the cords by creating a coating that prevents the two vocal folds from touching directly. If the folds rub together too forcefully or too frequently, it can lead to swelling, irritation, or even nodules—tiny growths on the vocal folds that interfere with sound production.

Have you ever felt the urge to clear your throat because of phlegm, even when it wasn’t really disrupting your voice? 
How often do you pause and think before clearing your throat?

---

The Risks of Throat Clearing and Coughing

One thing I’ve observed in my teaching is that harsh or repeated throat clearing and coughing can cause irritation and even damage to the vocal cords. When someone clears their throat without awareness or preparation, the shock to the cords can cause small tears or swelling over time. This is especially true when these behaviors are repeated frequently—like in the case of one time when I was observing a lesson, and the student was so nervous that they cleared their throat nearly a hundred times in the first ten minutes. This kind of repeated strain can lead to vocal fatigue and long-term issues.

Coughing, especially if it's forceful or frequent, can have a similar effect. It might help to dislodge phlegm in the short term, but in the long run, it can damage the vocal cords if done harshly. Repeated coughing can wear down the protective coating around the cords, leaving them vulnerable to irritation, swelling, or even more serious conditions like nodules or polyps.

So, does this sound familiar? 
Do you find yourself clearing your throat or coughing more often during stressful situations? 
Have you ever noticed how often you clear your throat throughout the day?

---

The Role of Nervousness and Hyper-Awareness in Voice Health

Interestingly, I’ve noticed that throat clearing and coughing are often linked to nervousness or anxiety. Many people clear their throats unconsciously when they’re feeling uncomfortable or nervous. This can become a habitual response to tension, which exacerbates any underlying irritation or vocal strain. While it may seem like a minor reflex, over time, these small actions can cause significant damage if left unchecked.

In some cases, this behavior can stem from hyper-awareness of how the voice feels, particularly during times of stress or discomfort. For example, when someone becomes overly focused on the sensation of phlegm, they might feel compelled to clear their throat, even if the phlegm isn’t truly interfering with their voice. This hyper-awareness can lead to unnecessary throat clearing, when in reality, the phlegm wouldn’t significantly affect the person’s ability to speak or communicate.

The challenge is to balance this awareness and make a conscious choice each time. Instead of habitually coughing or clearing your throat, consider whether it’s truly necessary. Often, phlegm doesn’t disrupt phonation (the production of sound), and clearing your throat unnecessarily might do more harm than good.

Ever caught yourself clearing your throat even when it wasn’t needed? 
Have you noticed any patterns in when you clear your throat—like during meetings, or before speaking in public?

---

Becoming aware of how your voice feels and when you habitually clear your throat or cough is key. In Part 2, we’ll discuss healthier alternatives to managing these sensations and strategies for maintaining vocal health.

Please join us Sep 11, 6:00 pm CST  for a Clubhouse Chat on the Mental aspects of Voice : link

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.

Weekly Insights #3

The Mental Game of Voice: Practice with Purpose (Part II)

Last week, we explored the profound impact that mental awareness can have on voice training, a lesson I learned from my mentor, Margaret Harshaw. She taught me that singing—and indeed, any form of voice work—is 95% mental. This concept shifted my focus from simply mastering techniques to understanding the importance of being mentally present and making conscious decisions in the moment.

But how do we integrate this mental awareness with the practical techniques we’ve spent so much time mastering? This is where the real work begins—practicing with purpose, being fully present, and choosing the right tools when they matter most.

Techniques and Mental Awareness
Techniques like breath control, consonant work, and vocalizations are essential building blocks in voice training. They provide the foundation for everything we do as vocalists, speakers, or communicators. However, the effectiveness of these techniques is directly tied to our mental state when we use them.

For instance, consider deep diaphragmatic breathing—a fundamental technique for sustaining long phrases and maintaining vocal health. It’s a skill that many of us practice regularly, but in moments of anxiety or nervousness, the body often defaults to high, shallow breathing. This is where mental awareness becomes crucial. Recognizing this shift and consciously choosing to employ deep breathing can transform your performance, whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or having an important conversation.

It’s not enough to simply know the techniques; you must be aware of your physical and mental state and make deliberate choices about which techniques to use. This level of awareness allows you to adapt to the situation and achieve the best possible outcome.

The Role of Adaptive Consciousness
This idea of choosing the right technique in the moment is closely related to what Malcolm Gladwell describes as adaptive consciousness in his book Blink. Gladwell suggests that the most effective decision-making often happens in the blink of an eye, informed by years of practice and experience. In voice training, this means that the techniques you’ve internalized through practice become tools you can deploy instinctively when needed.

However, this instinctual response doesn’t happen automatically. It requires a mental readiness to recognize what’s happening in the moment and to make a deliberate choice about how to respond. It’s about being present and aware, so when the time comes to perform—whether that’s singing on stage, speaking in a meeting, or communicating in everyday life—you can access the right technique without overthinking it.

Consider an athlete, like a golfer or a swimmer, who has spent countless hours perfecting their swing or stroke. On the day of the competition, they rely on muscle memory and instinct, but they also remain mentally alert, ready to adjust based on the conditions they’re facing. The same principle applies to voice work. You practice so that when the moment comes, your body knows what to do—but you also stay mentally engaged, ready to make adjustments as needed.

Practice with Purpose
The key to integrating mental awareness with technical skills is practicing with purpose. It’s not just about repeating exercises or drills; it’s about doing so with an awareness of what you’re trying to achieve. This means being fully present during practice, understanding the specific patterns you’re working on, and considering how these patterns will apply in real-world situations.

For example, when you practice vocalizations, are you simply running through the motions, or are you thinking about how this exercise will help you project your voice in a large room? When you work on breath control, are you mindful of how this skill will allow you to maintain clarity and power in your speech, even under pressure?

By practicing with this level of awareness, you train not just your voice but your mind. You develop the ability to choose the right technique at the right moment, making your voice work more effective and adaptable.

Your thoughts here!
As you reflect on your own practice, consider how you can start incorporating this mental approach into your routine. The next time you practice a technique, pause for a moment. Think about why you’re doing this particular exercise and how it will serve you in real-world situations. Are you mentally engaged, or are you simply going through the motions? How can you practice with more purpose, ensuring that your mind and body are working together to achieve your goals?

Margaret Harshaw’s lesson that singing is 95% mental continues to resonate with me, and I hope it resonates with you as well. It’s a reminder that while techniques are essential, it’s the mental game that truly unlocks their potential. By being aware, present, and purposeful in your practice, you can take your voice to new heights, whether you’re on stage, in a meeting, or simply having a conversation.

Remember, it’s not just about the technique—it’s about the mental game. Be aware, be present, and choose wisely as you continue to develop your authentic voice.

---

Closing Thought
"Next time you find yourself in a moment of performance or communication, take a mental step back. Ask yourself: What technique do I need right now? How can I mentally prepare to make the best use of it? With time and practice, this mental awareness will become second nature, guiding you to success in every vocal endeavor."

Please join us Sep 11, 6:00 pm CST  for a Clubhouse Chat on the Mental aspects of Voice : link

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.