All of us have to sing at some point, even if it's just a simple 'Happy Birthday'. Use these simple tips and techniques to improve your voice and your confidence.
1.
Keep your arms slightly away from your body.
Clasp your hands out in front of you or bring
your
arms
to
your sides and a bit forward, raising them
about 6 inches in a flexible, relaxed fashion.
This will allow your ribcage to
fully expand and your lungs to fill to capacity.
More air allows you to project your voice more
strongly and clearly.
2.
Keep your feet about shoulders' width apart.
If you like, one foot can be further forward
than the other. Make sure you're solidly balanced,
but still flexible.
Slightly bend your knees. If you must sing while
sitting, make sure both feet are flat on the
floor
and that you're sitting up straight, but not
stiffly.
3.
Relax! Tension destroys vocal tone. Try not
to let your shoulders hunch up and keep your
neck from tensing. Don't
force your
chest
out and up when you breath in. This will actually
constrict your air flow. Stay in motion, however
slightly. This will relax your body and your
tone will sound more natural.
Try gently swaying from
side to side with the rhythm. You'll look
better, too!
4.
When you inhale, push your stomach out. This
will allow you to more completely fill your
lungs.
As you exhale, bring your stomach slowly in,
using the muscles of your diaphram (which is
just under your ribcage) to control your notes.
5. If you have to hit a high note or you hear yourself singing flat (that is, if your notes are a tiny bit too low), raise your arms a little higher and smile slightly. For very high notes, try closing your eyes and turning your face up slightly.
6. Conversely, if you start to sing sharp (a
tiny bit too high), bring your arms down a little
lower and open your
mouth slightly wider by dropping
your lower jaw. Don't dip your chin towards your neck,
however, as this will cause your air flow to
become constricted,
which
will show up in your voice.
7.
Enjoy yourself! If you take all these tips to
heart, singing could become a habit. :)
