***Do You Know the Difference Between Your Throat Voice and Your Chest Voice?

When most people speak, they power their voice by means of their voice box and throat. To a lesser extent, the mouth and nasal cavities are also acting as resonators, aiding in the production of voiced sound. And, of course, you probably think this is normal. It may be normal for you but, in truth, there is a resonator that is missing in this picture.

That 5th resonator is your chest cavity. Those who use this, the largest of the resonators, as their primary sounding board include many radio and television broadcasters (although by no means are they all doing it!) and many actors, such as George Clooney, Kathleen Turner, Julia Ormond, and James Earl Jones, to name a few.

The difference in sound between the actors I just mentioned and those who do not power their voice in this manner can be staggering. When I am working with clients, I always have them switch between their ‘throat’ sound and their ‘chest’ sound. It is one of the easiest ways for them to not only hear their ‘real’ voice, but to see it and feel it as well.

By means of sound, the difference between the two is resonance. The voice powered by means of the chest cavity is deeper, richer, warmer and more mature-sounding.

By means of feel, the difference is the noticeable vibrations they feel in their chest when they speak in their ‘real’ voice.

By means of the visual, some can actually see the difference – and I can see it as well in many cases when my clients are pushing hard from their throat.

What is so fascinating about your ‘real’ voice is that when you find it, it feels better, it sounds better, and it is easier on your throat and vocal folds because you have immediately taken the pressure, the strain, the work off your voice box and throat. And, should you be suffering from vocal abuse, the abuse will end.

Your ‘real’ voice also takes less energy to produce and can be increased in volume without shouting. This is called projection and works much better at football games or when you are tempted to yell at your kids! I can’t tell you the number of people doing damage to their voice box and throat because of needless wear and tear on those delicate organs. Another great benefit of projection is that it won’t hurt your listeners’ ears.

Your voice may be just a good as (or even better than) that of Sean Connery or Kate Beckinsale; but, you will never know just how great it is until you make your chest cavity your primary sounding board.