Everyone Likes My Voice, But Me

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Everyone Likes My Voice, But Me

By Chris Beatty

SCENARIO 1: I regularly hear people tell me that they don’t like the sound of their own voice. This includes those who have received lots of accolades from their listeners.

For those who have gone through extensive, systematic training the process usually results in the singer acclimating to their own, good sound. Others, however, don’t have the advantage of this process and struggle with a predictable battle. It’s a battle of acoustics based on the preview we all get of our own sound verses the sound others hear.

SOLUTION: Begin by viewing a helpful video I produced to help you “experience” your voice as others hear it. Here’s the link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWLWOSgYlG8

The short summary of that video is this: By blocking most of the sound that comes up the side of the face you can begin to hear more of what the listener hears in your voice. This can be quite a revelation as the sound bypasses the preview we’re used to hearing. A preview that is quite different than what others hear. The goal of the exercise is for our mind, and ear to learn to better judge what the listener, or microphone hears. Recording your voice is another way to hear the difference between the pre-conceived sound and what someone outside of your head hears, but I still recommend the YouTube segment.

SCENARIO 2: You’re a professional or semi-professional singer whose voice is literally deteriorating in quality from one year to the next. Sometimes it’s from one month to the next. The tone quality, range, breath control and stamina are the commonly effected areas.

SOLUTION: Try and determine whether the problem is physical and mechanical, or psychological. Or, a combination of both. And, since the physical impacts and psychological and vise versa it may not be clear as to what’s happening. In that case seek the wisdom of an experience of a gifted voice teacher, or vocal coach. In some cases you will need to see a medical professional like an ENT or Otolaryngologist. And, in the case of psychological or spiritual issues you will need to get appropriate counsel.

Where to start? First look for the obvious, like a neck straining for high notes, running out of breath in the middle of a phrase or an unpleasant tone quality. Also, look for swallowing problems, breathing problems, a noticeable lump in the throat etc. After taking inventory of your situation don’t freak out. Instead, determine what things you can fix on your own, and which issues require outside help. Then, get the guidance you need. Don’t settle for just getting by. Go for the gold. Be the best you can be. It will take the investment of time and perhaps some finances, but good quality generally costs. Find someone with training in voice who knows more than you. You can never go wrong with a basic physical checkup or vocal checkup.

The important thing is to not settle for a deteriorating voice. Your search will lead to some solutions and could help you prevent more serious problems down the road.

Please let me know what questions you want answered at chris@vocalcoach.com

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Psalm 40:1-6

1 I waited patiently for the LORD;
he turned to me and heard my cry.

2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear
and put their trust in the LORD.

4 Blessed is the man
who makes the LORD his trust,
who does not look to the proud,
to those who turn aside to false gods.

5 Many, O LORD my God,
are the wonders you have done.
The things you planned for us
no one can recount to you;
were I to speak and tell of them,
they would be too many to declare.

6 Sacrifice and offering you did not desire,
but my ears you have pierced;
burnt offerings and sin offerings
you did not require.

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