***The Only Way to Successfully 'Treat' Vocal Abuse

I receive emails on a daily basis regarding vocal abuse – not just from those who are experiencing difficulty in talking but from singers as well. The only piece of advice I give them is to take the pressure off of the throat and vocal folds (cords) and allow their chest to become their primary sounding board. This piece of advice may sound strange but it is the only means of eliminating vocal abuse. Whispering is not the answer, nor is being silent for a year. Even if the latter were possible, the problem will return if you continue doing the same thing that was creating the abuse in the first place. And whispering is not the answer because it is extremely hard on the vocal folds. Whispering requires your voice box to do all of the work. At least in normal speaking (or singing), 4 of your 5 resonators or sound cavities are in play. Those 4 cavities include the voice box, the throat, the mouth and the nose. Unfortunately most people are unaware of their 5th cavity or resonator. It is the chest. Now I want you to consider the size of your chest cavity. It is a good size, is it not? If you look at the size of the other 4 cavities in comparison to the size of the chest cavity, can you appreciate how much more powerful your voice would be if you were able add your chest to the picture? Others that use their chest cavity to resonate their voice include Vin Diesel, Ashley Judd, James Earl Jones, Cher, Peter Coyote, and Kate Beckinsale, to name a few. Not all in Hollywood are aware of this technique. Those who do have voices that stand out from the rest. When you learn to power your voice using your chest cavity, you will discover not only an end to your vocal abuse, but also a deeper, richer, warmer resonant sound. In addition, you will learn how to increase your volume by projecting your voice instead of shouting. From a practical point of view, what this really means is that you will no longer experience sore throats, chronic hoarseness or even loss of voice if such is the case. You will have your voice whenever you need it. And, it will sound a whole lot better than it does right now! Imagine eliminating your vocal problems and discovering a much improved speaking voice just by allowing your chest to do your talking! You will sound better; you will probably look better; and, most definitely you will feel better about yourself.