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Speak
clearly and people listen
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
do 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.
How we work with you
- We work on your 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!
- We work on vowels and consonants
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.
- We work with your voice and 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.
- We work with your 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.
 Email
Us to find our more or call 0207 717 9649
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