Hello Everyone, There was a lunch time lecture at my work (Hewlett - Packard) on Voice Dynamics. Unfortunately, I was not able to attend, however, they posted the following notes. I think it's relevant for callers. They are having a 1/2 day seminar in August (at work) which I hope to attend. I may also sign up for the evening class as I think the use of voice (and care of) is extremely important for callers. I left in the credits for the author, out of respect for her work. She is located in Northern California. Also, when I was at NEFFA this past Spring (what a blast!).... I met with my two Aunts who live outside of Boston. They are professional singers (~30 years) and have toured all over the world. They gave me a 1.5 hrs "voice lesson", including excercises to do, and have also taught the information below professionally. I am considering submitting this topic and asking my aunts to teach a workshop at NEFFA next year, if there is any interest in the topic.... (any interest?).... If there is interest, I will also post the notes from the August class, if I attend.... Enjoy and take care of those vocal cords! Karen Fontana ================================================ Class in Voice Dynamics from Carolyn Franklin: Starts in Oct. on 10 for 3 weeks on Monday nights and Wed nights 6:00 - 9:00. The class is listed at DeAnza but located at Foothill. They are the same campus. Private lessons. $65.00 per hour phone number: 408-737-2151. ------------------------------------------------- VOICE DYNAMICS CAROLYN FRANKLIN, M.A. A QUICK AND EASY WAY TO A BETTER SOUNDING VOICE COPYRIGHT 1996 by Carolyn Franklin ccvoicedynamics(a)cs.com All Rights Reserved. No duplication Without Permission This WORKSHOP is designed to: 1. Make a better impression on others. No matter how well-dressed or educated you may be, your style of speaking and quality of voice may inhibit or enhance a first impression. 2. Increase the suppleness of your voice. You will be able to talk longer and easier, not tiring. You will have more range of pitch, volume and mood. 3. Increase your self-confidence. A firm, well-supported voice is a great asset in communication. Correct use of your voice will reduce incidence of interruption. 4. Entertain your listeners. Hold their attention and win their confidence. 5. Teach you to "breathe"; increase your lung capacity for a healthier you and increase your ability to control your voice. 6. Find out the "right" voice for you; one that best suits your personal and professional needs. 7. Give you a range of "voices" to use for specific needs: professional, business-like, friendly, confident or persuasive. 8. Be taken seriously when you speak. BASIC PREPARATION FOR TALKING: "THE 3 ABSOLUTES" RELAX You cannot make a good quality sound if you are at all tense. The body MUST be relaxed so the breath can flow freely through the "sound system". The only part of the body that "works" is the diaphragm; the rest of you is RELAXED. BREATHE: Since the sounds (vowels) ride on the energy of air, breath, it is critical to breathe correctly. That is, deep breathing from the diaphragm. WATER Drink plenty of water as it lubricates the body and keeps the voice supple. NO OTHER DRINK is a substitute for WATER. DAILY EXERCISES CAUTION: only do these exercises when you have no colds, allergies or clogged sinuses. "SOUND SYSTEM" is what I call the diaphragm, lungs, trachea, larynx mouth, tongue and sinuses. When you speak, the entire "sound system" is in operation mode. RELAX: Mentally send messages to your muscles: chin, back, throat, neck, shoulders and face to loosen up, let go and relax. BREATHE: Shoulders DOWN, do NOT use the shoulders to breathe. Inhale SL-OW-LY, hold the breath briefly, and them exhale SL-OW-LY. This technique increases lung capacity and tightens the diaphragm. HM-M-M "Half-yawn". Open the back throat as in an unfinished yawn, keep the tongue down flat, close your mouth and inhale. Push the sound "H" hard through your nose, then add the M-M-M and push the "M" also through your nose. Done correctly your nose and head should vibrate. This exercises tightens the diaphragm and opens the sinuses which create depth and richness to the voice. CHIN WOBBLE: Open your mouth and RELAX it; push the chin down as far as you can several times, then push the chin sideways as far as you can several times. This will keep your mouth and chin supple. PANT: Simultaneously inhale and pull the diaphragm "IN" as hard as you can and as fast as you can. Then, push hard with breath saying "HUH" simultaneously exhaling as hard and fast as you can. Do this several times. It strengthens the diaphragm. Thank You, Hewlett-Packard Asian Pacific Employee Network. (the organization that sponsored the event). karen_fontana(a)yahoo.com H650-691-9663