“When I get into that fight-or-flight response, one of the first things to go is my voice.” – Vivi Devereaux
On this episode of Speaking Of… I’m joined by my friend, actor Vivi Devereaux. Vivi’s question was, “How do I release my voice when I’m under stress?”
Vivi is regularly performing and auditioning, and his question is related to the stressful “fight-or-flight” response that often accompanies performance. Throat tightening is a very common side-effect of nerves or fear, that affects performers and non-performers. We talk about WHY this happens and I offer an array of tools you can use both in the moment that the tightening is occurring, as well as some exercises to add to a vocal practice.
Interview Highlights:
Why stress causes the throat to tighten.
The most effective exercises for releasing the throat.
Exercises for releasing the tongue root, larynx (voice box), and jaw.
Why it might be useful to explore tensing the body in performance.
The best practices for beginning or maintaining a voice practice.
How the thoughts you have around speaking or performing affect the voice.
Featured on the Show:
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