How to Develop a Voice of Success

The human voice is the first and most natural musical instrument, also the most emotional.

Klaus Schulze

In addition to visual signals, one of the most powerful communication tools is the human voice. The voice shapes 38 % of the first impression. It reflects emotions from joy to sadness, from surprise to pity. We can hear laughter in someone’s voice as well as crying or even stress and tension. Among other things, we use the voice as an indicator to decide whether we like our counterpart, think he or she is competent, trust him or her and ultimately buy products from her or him. Interestingly we can even judge a person’s social background through their voice and speech. For this very reason, a “voice of success” is for a wide variety of professional groups, from salespeople to teachers and marketers, PR specialists and journalists, but also (future) CEOs and social activists invaluable.

What is a “success voice”? 

We perceive people who speak with a natural but deeper voice within their range as stronger and more competent regardless of gender, age and other factors. However, the person should not speak monotonously but dynamically to create warmth in the voice. While a variation in speaking behavior signals openness, consistency is interpreted as strength. The speech speed should be appropriate according to the context – but always vary. People who do not have a dominant position through their role within organizations are also given power through a loud (but not screaming) voice, which resonates through a way of speaking within the diaphragm. We want to be carried away by someone’s voice – but without becoming restless. Therefore, it shouldn’t be lethargic or erratic.

Voice training can help to improve language habits and thus the formation of a personal voice of success.

What are the benefits of voice training?

Through a holistic approach to coaching, voice training has numerous other advantages in addition to developing a success voice. 

• improved posture
• less muscular tension and thus possibly less headache/dizziness 
• relaxation
• positive effects on the pulse/blood pressure/cortisol through improved breathing
• more energy
• developed abdominal muscles through correct breathing
• more self-confidence
• enhanced awareness of your own body (mindfulness)
• improved listening skills
• improved appearance
• more perception by other people
• more success/reputation by acting more competent
• the presence of belonging to a higher socio-economic class by improved speaking and speaking skills and therefore reception of competence and strengths

What affects the voice?

Various conditional factors influence the voice.
An inadequate posture can lead to tension that opposes a resonant and deep voice with a clear articulation. A bad posture and tension can be related to shallow breathing – which can also lead to a higher and less powerful sounding voice.

On the other hand, perception (hearing correctly) and emotions such as fear, stress and doubts can stand in the way of a triumphant voice.

A well-trained voice can, therefore, achieve resonance and at the same time, has a particular dynamic and a reasonable scope that makes listening pleasant.

If you want to work on your voice, for example, to get a deeper, more powerful voice with more precise articulation, you should not only concentrate on one aspect of the vocal function circle but look at the work on your voice holistically.

How do I create the optimal conditions for my vote of success? (Vocal hygiene)

A hectic and unhealthy life can affect the voice. Various behaviors and circumstances can, damage the voice and hinder the effectiveness of ongoing voice improving work.

The following behaviors and events can damage the voice and prevent effective voice training (voice hygiene):

• whispering
• screaming
• due to the lack of intelligibility, unclear speech often leads to increasingly tense and louder repetitions that can strain the voice
• clearing of your throat
• (quiet) reflux especially in connection with reflux-promoting diet and lifestyle
• dehydration
• drinking cold beverages
• consumption of caffeinated drinks
• smoking
• drugs
• alcohol consumption
• medicines that affect your voice (including aspirin, and antihistamines)
• dairy products
• consumption of mint
• consumption of menthol
• consumption of chocolate
• dental problems
• certain diseases such as hypothyroidism and hyper-function / cancer / diabetes / multiple sclerosis / asthma or surgery
• speaking in noisy/smoky or dusty surroundings
• speaking beyond an existing pain
• tensions, especially in the neck-shoulder area, for example, due to drafts, cold weather, emotional problems or poor posture

Avoid extreme stress on the voice such as whispering, clearing of the throat and screaming, especially in noisy, smoky and dusty surroundings.

You should further avoid the use of nicotine, drugs, dairy products, products with mint, menthol and chocolate.

You can also interfere with the success of voice work through specific medications. Ask your doctor about this.

In addition to hydration (drinking non-aerated water and no coffee and alcohol), voice teacher recommended keeping your voice supple by inhalation and the right humidity. You can “open” your voice by moistening it from the inside with inhaling saltwater.
Especially for people who often travel by plane, a travel inhaler and a mouth guard against the drying air can be helpful.
Nevertheless, as a non-frequent flyer, you should also pay attention to an adequate level of humidity in your area. 

In the cold season, but also in times of drafts, for example, due to the extensive use of air conditioning, a scarf can help prevent tension in the shoulder and neck area. Also, do not forget that poor posture (sitting is the new smoking) and emotional problems can be the leading cause of tension. Therefore, work actively on your mental and physical health.

If despite precautionary measures, a cold does occur, and the voice is stressed, garlic, onions and hot lemon with honey may help. The gargle with salt water popular with laypeople can be used for a short time.

Since various illnesses can also affect the voice, it helps to get regular medical checks and in case of complaints in medical hands.

In the case of (quiet) reflux, an infusion of 6 tablespoons of flaxseed (crushed) and 300 ml of hot water before drinking can provide relief. Baking soda dissolved in water is also recommended (300 ml warm water mixed with 2 tsp baking soda).
Others advise the ayurvedic herb Amla as well as digestive enzyme capsules (HCL with pepsin), digestive bitters, DGL and artichoke extract capsules after eating; whereby probiotics can naturally support the therapy. Therefore, find out about alternative forms of treatment on the Internet, books and from your doctor. Your doctor may also do an exam to determine if you already have vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, calcium, folic acid, vitamin C, or zinc deficiency due to reflux. Especially concerning the symptoms of malnutrition due to reflux but also to reduce it, you should pay attention to your general diet (no caffeinated and carbonated drinks, sugar, tomatoes). According to the latest findings, reflux patients should eat a low-carb, and low-fibre diet. Activity and correct posture can continue to support therapy. Besides, various sources advise you to lie higher at night, for example, with a wedge pillow.

Try to spare your voice in case of pain and illness. If you have acute problems with your voice, consult an ENT specialist. 

Also note that her voice can change with her clothes and can, therefore, appear restricted. Therefore, pay attention to the clothing that allows you to breathe freely and deeply and does not affect your posture (high shoes, huge glasses or heavy jewelry are disadvantageous).

The human voice is the most perfect instrument of all.

Arvo Part

Resources and further reading tips:

• Social Class and Voice I
• Social Class and Voice II
• Berry, C. (1991), Voice and the Actor, New York City, Wiley
• McEvenue, K. (2001), Alexander Technique for Actors, New York City, Methuen Drama
• Rodenburg, P. (2015), The Right to Speak, New York City, Methuen Drama