Why is my voice dull, flat, thin or tense sounding?
Usually because there is tension in your system. This can restrict both the original vibrations of the voice and its amplification. Tension could be in your posture, your breathing system, the alignment of your head and neck, or localised in the throat or mouth. All these different kinds of tension inhibit full vibration. And full vibration is what you need for a rich, attractive, healthy sounding voice.

How can you change the sound of your voice?
By uncovering the original, tension free working of your system. Using our voice 'mechanics' we can help your body return to its normal functioning and the result of this is automatically a fuller, clearer voice.

Why is my speech indistinct or muffled?
This is to do with the speech muscles in the mouth and face which articulate the sounds (vowels and consonants) that make up words. If these muscles have become used to a restricted range of movement - have become flabby and tense - then they make flabby consonants and tense, thin vowel sounds. Our coaches are like personal trainers for your mouth to bring energy, fitness and suppleness back into your speech.

Can I change my regional accent?
Yes - if you want to. The regional accents of English are much loved by accent coaches, but we accept that many people feel unfairly judged as soon as they open their mouth. We all have deep and unconscious prejudices about different accents and if you feel this is inhibiting you it makes sense to gain some control.

Sometimes the solution is to learn RP (Received Pronunciation) and change the accent completely. For many people simply improving their diction and clarity of speech is enough. For others, the middle way is right, learning to feel confident to 'formalise' their speech towards RP when they feel the need, and yet still be able to relax into the original accent off duty.

Whatever your choice our coaches are supremely skilled at encouraging you to own and feel at ease in the changes you make.

We can also help you reduce an accent towards a Standard American accent.


How we work

We work on your:

1. Muscles of Speech: We use precises stretches, strength exercises and drills to transform tired, flabby speech muscles into athletes. Be prepared to yawn, chew, pout and stick your tongue out!


2. Vowel & Consonant Sounds: Vowels are the open sounds we make in the middle of syllables. For the maximum interest and dynamism in your speech, and the best vocal tone, you need to make strong, muscular shapes for the vowels and commit to them vocally. You also need to have strong, rapid accurate movements for the consonants. If there are differences between your natural accent and the one you want, we will accurately train you to be able to make the new sounds and correct yourself when you practice.


3. Voice & Breath: We use breath and posture work to ensure that your voice is produced without excess tension. Breath work relies on extending the outbreath by using the diaphragm and the large muscles of the ribcage and abdomen to support it. This requires release of upper body tension and can have great side effects of calmness and confidence. We also need to release any excess tension around the neck and throat where sound is made. As deep, steady breath reaches a relaxed throat, your clear, natural voice will emerge.


4. Vocal Range and Expressivity: A clear tone allows you greater access to richness enhancing resonance, and a wide pitch range. We encourage you to pitch your voice near the middle of your range giving you access to notes higher and lower than the average pitch. This access allows you to use music in the voice to clarify and illustrate your meaning, making your speech both more attractive and more impactful.

The result of all this precise work in the hands of our skilled coaches? Clear, impactful, attractive, meaningful speech that gets your message across and presents you at your best.