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Breathing and Breath Control
by Candice M. Coleman, Ph.D.

Breathing is the most natural thing we do every day. We inhale to bring fresh, oxygenated air into our lungs to replace the carbon dioxide which we then exhale. This process is fairly simple. We inhale and exhale on a regular rhythm. Each inhalation is about the same length as the exhalation and each cycle is about the same length as the previous one.

In a performance situation, however, people sometimes interfere with this natural process. As a result, their delivery may become forced and unnatural and their voices thin and weak. Without proper breathing and breath control, the voice isn't as efficient or as effective as it could be.

Right now, become aware of how you're breathing. Don't try to change anything. Simply be aware of what your stomach muscles and chest are doing. When you inhale, your abdominal wall is pushed out by your diaphragm, your rib cage expands and your chest lifts slightly. It's similar to what happens when you blow up a balloon. As you exhale the reverse happens; your abdominal wall and rib cage relax and your chest collapses a bit.

If you're having trouble feeling the natural way of breathing, here are a couple of exercises to try.

• Blow up a party balloon. Feel the pressure on the abdominal muscles and diaphragm (the muscles you'll also use when you breathe to speak).
• Pant quickly. As you gradually slow down, notice how your stomach is moving. This is the same movement you should have when you inhale and exhale to speak.

When you breathe to speak, the regular rhythm changes. You inhale fairly quickly and take in just as much air as you think you'll need for what you plan to say. Then you exhale slowly and conserve the air, so that you don't run out until you're finished expressing your ideas. If you don't control the breath and do run out of air (especially on the ends of your sentences and phrases), you'll sound strained, weak, breathy or gravelly.

Here are some exercises to help you "connect" with the breath.

• Sit and hold the legs of your chair to keep your shoulders down. Inhale completely on a slow, silent, five count. Hold for five. Exhale completely on five. Repeat until you can do it easily. (If you get dizzy -- STOP!) Increase to counts of 6, 7 and 8.
• Lie on the floor with a book on your abdominal area. Make the book rise and fall as you breathe.

Now, let's add some sound to that breath. Stand. It's much easier to get a full, complete breath when you do. (You should also stand when you're voicing copy or doing other recording.)

• Take a good, deep breath and sustain an "ah" sound on a single pitch that's comfortable. (It's like singing.) You should feel a slight tension in your abdominal muscles as they support the sound. Hold the "ah" for ten seconds. The sound should be clear and easy, without strain. Try it again for 12 seconds. If you can't go that long, drop out before you are straining or gasping for air. However, keep practicing until you can hold for at least 15 seconds or longer.
• Take a deep breath and count slowly as far as you can without gasping. Repeat, trying to get a few more numbers each time. Aim for sixty. You can also use the letters of the alphabet or days of the week or months in a year, almost anything. Keep track of your progress. If you keep your articulation sharp and clear, this also makes a good warm up before you speak or go on-air.

As you count, don't waste breath. Give [f], [s], [v], [th] etc. only enough air to make the sound. These sounds are notorious breath wasters.

Breath support and control are essential for a good voice. Practice the exercises until you are naturally breathing correctly no matter where you are.

A word of caution: your voice may get tired, but it should never hurt. If it does, stop and get professional help.

*****Candice M. Coleman, Ph.D. uses presentations, coaching and learning resources to help business executives and others have more presence, influence and authenticity in their communication. She can be reached by phone at 314-621-9228 or on the Web at www.SayItWell.com

© Say It Well! Inc. 2002. [Permission is granted to reprint this article provided that complete bio andcontact information are included and that a copy of the publication is sent to: Say It Well! Inc., 1822 Hickory Street, St. Louis, MO 63104.]