VOICE + DICTION COACH

Stacie
Mitchell

Adjunct Professor & Actor

Hi! I'm Stacie.

I'm a Voice + Diction Coach, Adjunct Professor and Actor.

I’m an actor, voice and diction coach, and educator with over 20 years of experience helping people speak with clarity, confidence, and presence.

I’ve taught voice, acting, and communication at Purdue University, New York Film Academy in Los Angeles, and Mt. San Antonio College. I’ve worked as a voice coach for film, television, and theatre, and performed on stage and screen with companies like Jeff Daniels' Purple Rose Theatre and in films for Sony, Netflix, and Lifetime.

But I didn’t grow up confident in my voice.

I was shy. Sensitive. Afraid to take up space.

It wasn’t until I discovered acting and voice work that I learned what it felt like to speak from a place that was honest and grounded—fully me.

That changed everything.

Now, I help others do the same.

Whether you’re just getting curious about your voice or you’ve been using it professionally for years, I’m so glad you’re here. My work is here to meet you exactly where you are.

Through my digital course, private coaching, and voice care resources, I teach real-world practices to support your voice through long teaching days, rehearsals, recordings, and everyday moments where your voice needs to show up strong.

These practices aren’t about sounding perfect.
They’re about building a voice you can trust.

A voice that feels strong. Supported. Like home.

Let’s begin.

Your voice is welcome here.

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If your throat tightens up when you’re under pressure or you feel like your voice disappears halfway through a class, rehearsal, or recording… you’re not alone.

This happens to a lot of people I work with.
And it’s not because you’re doing something wrong.
Most of us were never taught how to use our voice in a way that supports real life pressure.

I put together a free guide called Why Voices Disappear Under Pressure.

It walks you through what’s actually going on in your body and your breath when your voice starts to fade and gives you tools you can use right away to reset.

Want it?
Just comment VOICE and I’ll DM it to you.

There’s a moment between the exhale and the next breath.

A pause.

Still.

Quiet.

Not empty
but full.

Full of everything your body didn’t know it needed.

This trip felt like that.
The kind of slow that fills you up.
The kind of silence that hums with life.

In the trees, around the fire, with the people who know me.

I remembered how good it feels to just be.
No pushing.
No proving.

Just laughing
listening
seeing.

Letting it all fall away.

These are the people who make the quiet feel easy.

Who bring the kind of joy that lets you breathe deeper
laugh louder
and soften the parts of you that have been bracing for too long.

We are in the same season
raising little ones
figuring it out
carrying the chaos and the wonder at the same time.

And somehow, being with them reminds me
this phase isn’t about holding it all together.

It’s not about clenching through the days.

It’s about release.

Looking up.

Letting the mess be magic
by letting the mess be a mess.
Not fixing it.
Not cleaning it up.
Just naming it
and living in it.

Relishing the now
because like the next breath
it will be gone before we know it.

And when it’s time to breathe in again
to return to the noise and the doing
I inhale fuller
richer
clearer.

Because of them.

Tag your people
the ones who are your breath support. 🌲💛

@melissa_prather @skyler_millicano @natedmitchell

#yourpeople #sequoiavibes #friendshipasbreath #breathsupport #creativecommunity #parenthoodseason #restandrestore #poeticcaption #groundedjoy #motherhoodtogether

Another favorite voice strengthening exercise. 🥤

If your voice feels soft and breathy
If your sound fades before the sentence ends
It might not be lack of strength
It might be tension

Shoulders that grip
Hold the breath high and shallow
Neck muscles that tighten
Pull the larynx up
Make your voice work harder than it should

When breath has no room
Sound cannot rise with ease
Your voice thins out
You start to push
And still feel like you’re not being heard

Neck and head tension makes your voice feel stuck or strained. Your words sit in your throat instead of flowing out.

Shoulder tension blocks your breath from moving in and out smoothly, which limits vocal flexibility.

A tight jaw traps your sound, and can distort vowel sounds and clap down on expressiveness.

Try this
Let your shoulders drop
Lengthen the back of your neck
Unclench your jaw
And let the breath fall low into your ribs

#voicecoach #vocalfreedom #speakwithconfidence #publicspeakingtips #vocalhealth #actorwarmup #communicationtools

A sneak peak clip from the Voice Care Kit I just published. Love this quick exercise to get the voice warm. Link in bio 🙌

#vocalwarmups #speakingvoice #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #speakwithconfidence #contentcreatorsofinstagram #publicspeakingtips #oncameravoice #oncameraacting #vocalwarmup #lostmyvoice #vocalhealth #contentcreator #strongvoice

Comment “KIT” and I’ll DM you a free copy! ⤵️

⤵️#communicationskills #speakingvoice #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeaking #publicspeakingtips #personalgrowth

It’s here! Many have asked for a “Voice Care Kit” and I just published it. Comment “KIT” below to snag your free copy! ⤵️

#VoiceWork
#Multipassionate
#CreativeEntrepreneur
#VoiceMatters
#YouAreTheInstrument
#PublicSpeaking
#SpeakingVoice
#TeacherVoice
#VocalFatigue
#CommunicationSkills
#ActorLife
#VoiceForActors
#ActingCoach
#TheatreLife
#ActingTips
#VoiceCare
#VocalHealth
#VoiceCoach
#VoiceTraining
#HealthyVoice
#VocalWarmUp
#SpeakWithConfidence
#BreathSupport

Ever feel like your voice is stuck in your throat?

Like no matter what you do, it still sounds flat or monotone?

There’s a sneaky little muscle that might be behind it.

Your soft palate.

The soft palate is the flexible area at the back of the roof of your mouth.

When it’s tight or sitting low, your voice can feel dull or trapped.

But when it’s stretched and relaxed, your voice opens up.

That said, if the soft palate is overly lifted or tense, your voice might shoot up into head voice or feel too high and disconnected.

The goal is to stretch and relax the soft palate and find the balance.

Try this real quick.
Gently yawn, then say a sentence.
Feel that extra space in your mouth?
That’s your soft palate rising with ease, giving you more resonance and range.

Save this if your voice ever feels stuck or flat.
A little soft palate awareness goes a long way.

#VoiceTips #SpeakWithConfidence #VocalWarmup #AuthenticVoice #VoiceAndDiction #PublicSpeakingTips #MonotoneFix

Available now on Amazon Prime! Playing Meg in these films has been such a fun journey. I’m so grateful to everyone who worked on this trilogy. Your heart, talent, and teamwork made it something really special. ❤️

Thank you Rich Bauer @rich.brauer for bringing these films to life and for taking a chance on me.

@larryjoe
Sam Briggs
Melanie Steffes
Chelsea Tanner
Jeffrey T. Morgan
@clu__dia
@norsewoodsman
Rick Plumber
Kathy Verstraete
Tiffany Falls
Walt Who
@aaronvoogt
@kimberlvnorrisquerrero
Ben Busch
@aiquertin
Brett Bowers
Jed Jaworski
enatedmitchell
6derek.berta
@clu dia
@kendallkotcher
ejackowcko
@cmturski
@brauer productions

This client has been working so hard and he nailed his interview! 🙌👏

#interviewprep #communicationskills #articulate #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips #personalgrowth #findmyvoice #speakingskills #speaking #naileditdaily

Over the years, I have worked with the most amazing humans. Thank you for this feedback. You have warmed my heart. 💛 @asherwilliam007 @st.jerome.official @evechady @saratorrenueva

#communicationskills #speakingvoice #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips #publicspeaking #vocalwarmup #publicspeakingtips #lostmyvoice

My voice is stronger because of these three.

The ones who really listen.
Who let me show up messy, tired, or on fire.
Who never ask me to explain or clean it up or hurry through.

They hold space while I find my words.
They let me take the long way through a story.
They wait. They see. They stay.

With them, I don’t have to make sense.
I can say the things that haven’t fully formed yet.
Speak the thoughts that live in my body but not quite in words.

I can say the unsayable, and they still hear me.

These aren’t just friends.
We say that all the time.
“We’re not friends, and we never will be.”
Because it’s more than that.
Chosen. Rooted. Woven.

The kind of people you can cry with in the desert
And laughter that shakes something loose in your chest.

That wild fun that makes you forget about age and time.

And who carry your stories like their own.

Being with them reminds me
Our voices aren’t just shaped by what we say.
They’re shaped by who we say it around.
Who we trust enough to speak with.

Who makes us feel safe enough to say the whole thing.

My voice would not be what it is without these three.
@jessicaanguiano1, @lapinion8, @coolhandsue

Tag a someone who strengthens your voice. ⤵️

#yourvoiceiswelcomehere #foundfamily #speakfreely #clearcommunication #creativecommunity #chosenfamily #wearenotfriends #authenticvoice #voiceanddiction #rootedtogether #actorslife #teacherswhospeak #vocalfreedom #safeplaces #zionvoicevibes #soulconnections #speaktheunspeakable #childlikewonder

I’m in Zion right now and having the best time. The hikes, the views, the company is amazing @jessicaanguiano1, @lapinion8, @coolhandsue

But the air is so dry! And my voice is definitely feeling it.

I’ve been trying to incorporate little things when I can. Like, humming, lips trills, electrolytes, and taking a few extra shower steam moments.

If you have more time here’s some helpful tips:

1. Hydrate
✔️Drink plenty of water throughout the day (aim for at least 8–10 glasses daily).

✔️Use electrolyte-enhanced water or drinks (e.g., coconut water) to help cells retain hydration.

Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, as they can dehydrate the body. But, if you’re on vacation having fun and finding the balance is key.

2. Humidify Your Environment
✔️Might not always be possible on-the-go, but if you’re able: use a cool-mist humidifier especially while sleeping.

✔️Consider a travel humidifier if you’re frequently on the go.

3. Practice Vocal Warm-Ups and Cool-Downs

✔️Gently stretch and warm up the vocal folds before use (e.g., lip trills, humming, straw phonation).

✔️Do a vocal cool-down after heavy voice use to reduce tension and swelling.

4. Avoid Vocal Strain
✔️Speak at a comfortable pitch and volume—don’t push your voice.

✔️Use amplification when needed (e.g., in large rooms or outdoors).

✔️Rest your voice when hoarse or fatigued—listen to your body.

5. Breathe Through Your Nose
✔️Nasal breathing helps moisturize and filter the air before it hits your vocal tract.

✔️Mouth breathing dries out the vocal folds more quickly, especially in dry air.

6. Steam Your Voice
✔️Inhale steam for 5–10 minutes (e.g., over a bowl of hot water or in the shower).

✔️Use a personal steamer designed for vocal health before performances or teaching.

7. Eat Hydrating Foods
✔️Eat hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
Avoid overly spicy or acidic foods that can trigger reflux (which damages the vocal folds).

#voicecare #vocalhealth #voicecoach #actingteacher #teacherlife #publicspeakingtips #voiceanddiction #hydrationmatters #zionnationalpark #speakingvoice #voicefatigue #creativevoicecare #vocalwarmup #clearcommunication #zion #dryvoice

30-Second Voice Resonance

Exercise - “The Humming Lift”

Relax & Breathe (5 sec)

Stand or sit tall with a relaxed jaw and shoulders.
Take a deep breath in through your nose, expanding your belly.

Humming Warm-Up (10 sec)

On your exhale, hum gently on an “mmm” sound.
Feel the vibrations in your lips, nose, and chest.
Glide up and down in pitch like a siren.

Open Resonance (10 sec)

Open into an “ahhh” sound, keeping the vibrations forward (not in the throat).

Tip-yawn slightly to lift your soft palate in the back of the mouth so the vibrations don’t go in the throat.
Imagine your voice filling the room effortlessly.

Sustain the sound with steady breath support.

Project & Speak (5 sec)

Speak a line from your favorite song.

Did you feel a shift? Let me know in the comments ⤵️

Do this daily to make your voice naturally fuller and more powerful.

#communicationskills #speakingvoice #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips #vocalwarmup #lostmyvoice #personalgrowth

Comment “FIX” and I’ll DM you my free guide on why your voice disappears under pressure—and how to fix it.⤵️

#CreatorsOnInstagram
#ActorsOfInstagram
#EducatorsOfInstagram
#PerformersLife
#VoiceMatters
#MindBodyVoice
#FreeGuide
#ConfidenceOnCamera

When I first learned this, I was blown away.

And to this day, it’s one of my favorite things to teach.

The middle resonator—the space behind your nose, cheeks, and sinus cavity—is where so much of your voice’s expressiveness lives.

It’s subtle. It’s layered. It’s complex.

And a lot of us avoid it without realizing we are.

This space sits right in between your chest voice and your head voice. It’s that “in-between” zone that often carries the most emotion. Which might be why we don’t always let it speak.

Sometimes we unconsciously block it off.

We tighten our cheeks.

Tense around the nose.

Smile through it.

Because this is the part of the voice that tells the truth.

Even when our words say something else.

Like when someone asks how you are, and you say “I’m fine.”

The words are pleasant. The smile is in place.
But your tone doesn’t match.

That’s your middle resonator getting compressed.
And your true tone getting pushed down.

The structures here—tiny bones, soft cartilage, spongy sinus tissue—are built to carry nuance.
This is the part of your voice that holds honesty, complexity, and feeling.

When we don’t warm it up, it can get tight.
Sound closed off. Flat. A little stuck.

(I can actually hear it in myself in this clip. My voice is sitting higher in my nose. It sounds more monotone than I like. I didn’t get to warm up before this session and it shows.)

Here are a few of my go-to exercises to wake up the middle resonator:

✔️Scrunch your whole face up tight. Eyes, lips, jaw.
✔️Stretch it open like a silent scream.
✔️Shake it out. Let the skin move freely.
✔️Gently massage around your nose and cheeks in small circles.
✔️Then hum on “ng” and feel the buzz behind your cheeks and nose.

Can you feel the vibrations in your checks? That’s your middle resonator.

Come back to this space when you want to sound more present, connected, and honest in your voice.

#voicewarmup #middleresonator #speakwithconfidence #voicecoach #vocalresonance #actortraining #creativeswholead #vocalhealth #voiceyoutrust

Thank you @jessicaanguiano1 for asking this question! It’s always tricky when you want to warm up your voice, but can’t make a lot of noise. I remember when my daughter was young and taking a nap, I had a pilot zoom reading and I needed to wake up my voice, but didn’t want to wake her up. These are some things I did that helped me get the blood flowing and the voice moving.

Do you ever need to warm up your voice quietly? If so, please share your favorite exercises in the comments! ⤵️

Comment “TENSION” below and I’ll DM you a free copy of a guide that helps with:

1: Running out of breath mid-sentence.
2: Choking up on words when emotions hit.
3: Knowing what you want to say, but not being able to say it.

#ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ
#groundedvoice
#emotionandvoice
#breathsupport
#mindbodyvoice
#somaticvoicework
#voiceawareness
#useyourvoice
#freeyourvoice
#yourvoiceiswelcomehere
#speakfreely

What do you think of this post? Did any of these exercises help shift your voice? I’d love to hear your thoughts below! ⤵️

I’ve been coaching voices for over 20 years.

And if I lost my voice today—and had to rebuild it from scratch?

Here’s exactly what I’d do to keep it strong, clear, and actually working all day long.

Because if you lose your voice a lot—especially after teaching, talking all day, or presenting—it’s not just annoying.
It’s draining.

Let’s talk about what actually helps:

Step 1: I’d stop trying to push through.
I used to think if I just “powered through,” I could finish the class, the meeting, the rehearsal.
But that only made it worse.

Now I pay attention to the first signs of fatigue—tight jaw, shallow breath, dry throat—and shift how I’m using my voice before it drops out.

Step 2: I’d warm up for 5 minutes in the morning.
Nothing fancy. Just three things:
Jaw massage
Tongue stretch
Gentle breath-to-voice hum
Not to be perfect—just to give my voice a head start.

Step 3: I’d notice when and why my voice shuts down.

Is it after loud rooms? Emotional moments? Back-to-back meetings?

Our voice is part of our nervous system.
And tension hides in the jaw, throat, neck, chest, belly.

Once you spot the pattern, it’s a lot easier to make changes that stick.

Step 4: I’d do mini check-ins during the day.
Between Zooms or conversations, I’d reset:

– A few slow “shhh” exhales
– A little hum (mmm or ng)
– A quick yawn-sigh
Small things that go a long way.

Step 5: I’d stop whispering.

Whispering feels like a break—but it actually stresses the voice even more.

Speaking gently and supported is way better in the long run.

Honestly? Most people don’t need to change how they sound.

They just need to take better care of what’s already there.

👇 Comment “Start” and I’ll DM you a free set of 30 voice-saving exercises I use and teach every day.

#voicecoach #vocalfatigue #speakwithconfidence #vocalhealth #publicspeakingtips #actingteacher #voiceanddiction #freeingthevoice #teacherlife #losingmyvoice

For years, I’ve been fascinated by how emotion lives in the voice.

Someone recently asked me:
“When I get emotional, I literally can’t speak. I start coughing. My voice disappears. What do I do?”

And I get it.
Because when emotion hits—our bodies often try to protect us by shutting things down.

The jaw clamps.
The tongue pulls back.
The larynx tightens.
The breath shortens.
And the voice? Gone.

But here’s what I’ve learned—through acting, voice coaching, and a lot of lived experience:

🔹 3 Exercises to Do Before the Moment Hits (To Build Vocal Readiness)

💆‍♀️ 1. Jaw Massage + “Ahh” Sigh
Tension loves to live in the jaw.
Gently massage your cheeks and jaw in circles.
Then sigh out on a soft “ahhh.” No effort, just release.

👅 2. Tongue Stretch
Press the tip of your tongue behind your lower front teeth.
Then slowly stretch the middle of your tongue forward and back.
Repeat 3–5x to loosen internal tongue tension that can pull back under stress.

🫁 3. Descending Pitch Sigh
Inhale through the nose.
Exhale on a falling “ahhh” or “ooo” sound, like a vocal slide.
This relaxes your larynx and helps reset your vocal tone.

🔹 3 Subtle Tools to Use During the Moment (When Emotion Takes Over)

🦶 4. Anchor Into Your Feet
Press your feet into the ground.
Wiggle your toes inside your shoes.
This grounds you and gently pulls your awareness out of fight-or-flight.

🌬️ 5. Exhale on a “Shhh” or “Fff”
Take a small breath and slowly exhale on a soft “shhh” or “fff.”
This helps regulate your nervous system without drawing attention.

🗣️ 6. Speak on the Exhale
Don’t force it. After your exhale, speak a short, grounded phrase:
“Let me find my words.”
“I’m feeling a lot right now.”
Let the words ride the breath—not the tension.

You can feel the full wave—and still stay connected to your voice.

Save this for the next time your voice starts to freeze.

#voicecoach #emotionandvoice #nervoussystemregulation #vocalhealth #linklatervoice #clearcommunication #publicspeakinghelp #actingteacher #freeingthevoice

**Film credit: Gild written by: Skyler Millicano

@skyler_millicano, @browencom, @cameroncovell @sicilianod, @_savvystudios_ @melissa_prather, @jesssiciliano__ , @jolenefisherinc

Whenever someone asks me to repeat myself, it’s usually a clue:

I’m probably not doing one of these.

These 5 simple voice exercises—rooted in what I learned training with Kristin Linklater—have helped me (and hundreds of my students) speak more clearly, sound more grounded, and stop feeling like we have to push to be heard.

If you want to be understood the first time, start here:

🫁 1. Breath Support → Sigh of Relief
If my breath is shallow, my voice follows.
A gentle inhale + a soft “ahhh” on the exhale reminds my body to support my sound—not squeeze it.

🔊 2. Resonance → The “Ng” Buzz
Hum “ng” (like in sing) and feel the vibration behind your nose and eyes.

👄 3. Articulation → Lips, Tongue, & Teeth
Try: “The tip of the tongue, the teeth, the lips.”
Slow it down. Over-enunciate. Let your mouth do the work so your brain doesn’t have to.

😮‍💨 4. Jaw & Tongue Release
I check in here constantly.
If my jaw is tight or my tongue feels stuck, it’s like trying to talk through molasses.
Massage, stretch, release.

🗣️ 5. Speaking → Text on the Breath
One breath, one thought.
I speak on the exhale—not by pushing, but by riding the breath.

Try it with something simple like: “I’m here. I’m ready.”

#voicecoach #linklatervoice #speakwithconfidence #vocalwarmup #publicspeakinghelp #clearcommunication #voiceanddiction #actorsvoicework #groundedvoice #voiceclarity

What are the physical sensations that happen on your body when you are going to speak in front of others?

Comment “NERVES” and I’m DM you my free guide to “Crushing Speaking Nerves”. ⤵️

#VocalPresence #SpeakingVoiceTips #CreativeVoice

Comment “BREATH”’and I’ll DM you my FREE favorite exercises to release vocal tension.

#communicationskills #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips

I want to let you in on a secret...

Something I’ve used every single day for the last 20 years.

Before I go on stage.
Before I step on set.
Before I walk into a classroom.
Even in everyday life.

Whenever I start to feel nervous or insecure, I tell myself:

“It’s not about me.”

When my voice starts to shake.
When I catch myself in my head, thinking—
Do I sound okay? Do I look confident? Am I doing this right?

I come back to this truth:
It’s not about me.

It’s about the story.
The person I’m speaking to.
The impact I want to make.
The room I want to shift.

This one mindset shift has saved me:
…when I doubted myself and wanted to quit.
…when the pressure was high, and I wanted to disappear.
…when I felt like I wasn’t enough.

Here’s the thing:
When you take the focus off yourself and put it on your objective—
that’s when your voice unlocks.

It gets stronger.
Braver.
Truer.

The tension drops.
The presence rises.

So if your voice feels stuck today—try this:

Shift the focus.
Off of you.
Onto the mission.
The listener.
The moment.

And just watch what happens.

#VocalPresence #SpeakingVoiceTips #CreativeVoice

1. Start with the Body

Your voice lives in your body.

👉 Do this: Roll your shoulders, unclench your jaw, and stand or sit tall with your feet grounded. A relaxed, aligned body sets the stage for a free, powerful voice.

2. Connect to the Breath

Your voice rides on your breath. If your breathing is shallow or tight, your voice will be too.

👉 Do this: Place a hand on your belly and breathe in slowly through your nose, feeling your hand rise. Exhale on a gentle “shhh” or “sss.” Do this 3–5 times.

3. Wake Up the Voice Gently

Never dive in with full volume. Start soft.

👉 Do this: Hum “mmm” gently while feeling vibration in your lips or nose. Then try a few sirens—glide your pitch from low to high and back down on “oo” or “ng.”

4. Play with Sound and Articulation

Voice isn’t just about volume—it’s about clarity, variety, and ease.

👉 Do this: Try saying a tongue twister like “red leather, yellow leather” slowly and clearly. Feel how your lips, tongue, and jaw work together.

5. Record Yourself (and Be Kind)

Your voice may sound different than you expect. That’s normal.

👉 Do this: Record yourself reading a short paragraph. Listen with curiosity, not criticism.

Notice: Are you clear? Flat? Fast? Breathe and try again.

**Film credit: @brauer_productions
#communicationskills #speakingvoice #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips #publicspeaking #lostmyvoice #vocalhealth #Speaking Voice #PublicSpeaking #VoiceTraining #VocalCoach #ConfidentSpeaking #SpeechTips
#VocalWarmUp #ImproveYour #Voice #VoicePower
#ClearCommunication #Strong #voicework

Curious?

Your voice changes every single day-some days it feels strong and clear, other days it’s shaky, weak, or just off. But what if you could pinpoint exactly what’s affecting your voice today and fix it in real time?

Comment “Check” below, and I’II DM you the Voice Diagnostic so you can see where your voice is today!

#SpeakingVoice #PublicSpeaking #VoiceTraining #VocalCoach #ConfidentSpeaking #SpeechTips #VocalWarmUp #ImproveYour Voice #VoicePower
#ClearCommunication #Strong Voice #vocalexercises #speakingskills

5 Steps to Build Vocal Endurance (Especially if You Lose Your Voice Easily):

1. Release Jaw and Tongue Tension Daily

Most people unknowingly grip with their jaw or root their tongue during speech or song. This creates strain and limits resonance.

Try this:

Gently massage the masseter (the thick muscle at the back of the jaw).

Do slow, wide “tongue rolls” inside the mouth, like tracing the inside of your lips.

Yawn and let your jaw hang open—notice if it wants to hold or snap shut.

2. Strengthen Breath Without Forcing It

Endurance comes from steady breath—not big breath.

Try this:

Inhale silently through your nose, then exhale on an “sss” sound for as long as you can without pushing at the end.

Keep shoulders soft and belly free.

Time it: If you’re only at 10 seconds, try for 12 the next time. Build up like a runner training distance.

3. Vocalize in Your Easy Range—Daily but Briefly

Muscles build through short, consistent work—not overuse.

Try this:

Use a gentle hum (like “mmm” or “ng”) on your speaking pitch.

Glide up and down just 3–5 notes.

Do it for only 2–3 minutes, once or twice a day.

4. Hydrate the Tissue, Not Just the Throat

Sipping water helps, but vocal folds need consistent moisture.

Try this:

Steam your voice: breathe over a bowl of hot water with a towel over your head, or use a vocal steamer.

Do this before long days or rehearsals—not just after fatigue.

5. Speak From Resonance, Not Just Volume

Pushing for loudness creates fatigue. Resonance carries farther with less effort.

Try this:

Try saying “mm-hmm” like you’re agreeing with someone. Feel the buzz in your face?

Now say a few lines of speech, keeping that same forward buzz feeling.

Practice speaking to the wall across the room, not to your shoes.

#VocalEndurance
#VoiceCare
#SpeakWithStrength
#HealthyVoiceTips
#BreathSupport
#VoiceTraining
#VocalHealth
#DictionCoach
#VoiceCoach
#ProtectYourVoice
#SpeechTips
#SingerLife
#ActorVoice
#PublicSpeakingTips
#strongvoice

Try this 10-minute pre-performance routine before a big moment to shake nerves:

**Film credit: “Opening Night” (2016) directed by @jackhenryrobbins written by: @dixonofnoho @jackhenryrobbins @ngirsch2

Cast:
@nikileetompkins

1. Burn off the adrenaline

Do 30 seconds of jumping jacks, take a brisk walk, or shake out your arms, legs, and hands.

Adrenaline needs somewhere to go—if it stays stuck, it shows up in your voice as a tremble, speed, or freeze.

2. Ground your body

Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart. Press your feet into the floor.

Try this breath: inhale through your nose for 4, hold for 4, exhale through your mouth for 6. Do it 3 times. Let your body land.

3. Vagus nerve reset

On an exhale, hum on “mmm” or “ng.” Feel the vibration in your lips, nose, and face.

This signals to your nervous system that you’re safe and relaxes the muscles around your voice.

4. Vocal warm-up

Start with 30 seconds of lip trills (like blowing bubbles with your lips) to release jaw and breath tension.

Follow with “ng” hums (as in “sing”) to warm up your vocal folds and center your sound forward.

Glide gently through your vocal range on an “oo” or “ee” from low to high and back down.

Finish by speaking a few rehearsal lines clearly, focusing on articulation and breath connection.

5. Ground with your senses

Before you speak, take 30 seconds to center yourself using this 5-4-3-2-1 technique:

Name:
👉5 things you can see
👉4 things you can feel/touch
👉3 things you can hear
👉2 things you can smell
👉1 thing you can taste

This sensory check-in shifts your brain out of fight-or-flight and into the present moment.

I first learned this as a mom dealing with toddler meltdowns—and it turns out, it’s just as helpful when calming big emotions before a high-stakes moment.

Save this for the next time nerves creep in before a big moment. 🤛

#VoiceCoach
#VocalWarmUp
#SpeakingVoice
#PerformancePrep
#VoiceTraining
#VoiceTips
#ActorLife
#ActingCoach
#OnCameraConfidence
#VocalHealth
#NervousSystemSupport
#GroundingTechniques
#PerformanceAnxiety
#MindBodyVoice
#SomaticTools
#CalmYourNerves
#PresentNotPerfect
#EmbodiedVoice
#BreathworkForActors
#anxietyrelieftools

Here’s how to stop rushing your words and actually get people to listen 👇

Do these 4 things daily to sound clear, grounded, and actually be heard:

1. Warm up your voice. Every day.

You don’t need to do a full Broadway vocal warm-up.
But your jaw, breath, and face need to wake up before you speak on camera, in a meeting, or even in your day-to-day.

Try: lip trills, hums, shoulder rolls, or just a yawn + sigh.

Do NOT skip this. Rushed speaking usually starts with a tense body.

2. Start your day slower.

Not kidding—your speaking pace is tied to your nervous system.

If you wake up scrolling and already behind, guess what? Your voice will feel tight and rushed all day.

Take 2 minutes to sit, breathe, and speak a few lines like:

“What I say matters.”
“My voice can take up space.”

This will literally slow your pace before you say a single word to anyone.

3. Practice telling one story slowly.

You can do this in the shower or the car. Pick one story (funny, embarrassing, whatever) and slow it down on purpose.

Let the words land. Pause when it feels weird.
You’ll start to train your brain to stay with the story, not sprint ahead of it.

4. Watch how you end your sentences.

Most fast talkers rush the ends of their thoughts.

Try this: Next time you speak, pay attention to your final word. Land it.

Give it time. Let the silence after it hang for a beat.
It feels awkward at first, but it makes you magnetic.

✨Want my exact warm-up that helps me slow down?

#voicecoach #publicspeakingtips #speakwithconfidence #vocalwarmup #actorslife #voiceanddiction #clearcommunication #slowdown

Do you ever feel that your words get stuck or bunched when you are speaking passionately? This is exactly what we are working on in this session. This client’s dedication, focus, and commitment is shining through.

#tonguetwisters #communicationskills #speakingvoice #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #lostmyvoice #vocalwarmup #personalgrowth #articulate #speakwithemotion

Had a great coaching session today! I absolutely love creating customized speaking voice game plans. DM me if you’re interested in 1:1 private speaking voice coaching and I’ll send you the details! 🤗

#tonguetwisters #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeakingtips #lostmyvoice #vocalwarmup #personalgrowth #interviewprep #interviewcoaching #voicecoach #articulate

I made this for you. Comment “VOICE” and I’ll DM you my favorite speaking voice exercises. ⤵️

#tonguetwisters #speakingvoice #aveda @lockworxsalon_deron #lockworxsalon #speakingvoice #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #speakwithconfidence #publicspeakingtips #lostmyvoice #vocalwarmup #personalgrowth #awkward #contentcreators

Lesson 1: Hidden tension holds your voice back.

If your voice ever feels tight, stuck, or disconnected,
It’s usually hidden tension in your body: in the tongue, neck, shoulders, or breath.

Releasing that tension helps you access a voice that feels stronger, more connected, and more natural — without pushing or forcing.

Lesson 2: Your articulators shape how you’re heard.

Your lips, tongue, teeth, and soft palate are the muscles that form your words.

When they’re tight or sluggish, speech can sound unclear or lack precision.

Research shows that focused exercises improve the agility and strength of these muscles — helping you speak with greater clarity, flexibility, and emotional impact.

Lesson 3: A tight throat blocks your voice — and your expression.

When the muscles around your larynx grip, it restricts breath, narrows your range, and cuts you off from emotional truth.

When you release unnecessary tension and support your voice properly, your sound becomes richer, your stamina improves, and you can communicate with much more presence and depth.

I created a guide with 30 practical exercises to help actors unlock their authentic voice — and bring more power, range, and connection into every performance.

Want a copy?

Comment “VOICE” below!
And make sure you’re following — I share tools every week to help you strengthen and expand your voice.

#vocalexercises #speakingskills #vocalexerciseshelp #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #speakingvoice #publicspeaking #lostmyvoice #tonguetwisters #communicationskills #publicspeakingtips #vocalwarmup #voicecoach #articulate #diction #speakingvoice #speakingbusiness #speaking #speakenglish #expression #vocalexpressions

I’m always looking for exercises that help to relax my voice.

Here’s 3 of my favorites:

1: Laryngeal Massage:
Use two fingers to gently massage around your larynx (your voice box).

This helps release deep throat tension, allowing your vocal folds to move more freely — so your voice sounds fuller, steadier, and easier to project.

2: Cheek Massage:
Open your mouth slightly and use your fingers to massage the inside and outside of your cheeks.

Tight facial muscles can restrict resonance — relaxing them opens up your sound, making your voice more expressive and natural.

3: Neck + Facial Skin Rolling:
Lightly pinch and roll the skin and fascia around your neck, jawline, and lower face.

The fascia is a thin web of connective tissue that can get tight from stress, posture, or overuse.

Releasing it boosts blood flow, frees up muscles that tug on your larynx, and helps your breath and voice flow with less strain.

#VoiceTraining #ActorVoice #VocalWarmup #SpeakingVoice #VoiceRelaxation #VoiceCoach #VoiceTips #ProfessionalVoice #VocalHealth #FasciaRelease #AuthenticVoice #FacialRelease #PerformanceReady

Your voice doesn’t start in your throat. It starts in your face.

According to phonetics and speech physiology, your facial expression directly affects your resonance, tone, and vocal clarity. The more expressive your face—especially around the eyes, lips, and jaw—the more space and freedom you create in your vocal tract.

That means how you look when you speak… changes how you sound.

Whether you’re teaching, presenting, auditioning, or leading a room—if your voice feels flat, tired, or unclear, your face might be the missing link.

Try this before your next call or recording:

Raise and lower your eyebrows
Do a big, wide “yawn face”
Hum while smiling, then while frowning
It takes 30 seconds. The results? Immediate.

Your voice is a full-body instrument.

#tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #vocalexerciseshelp #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #speakingvoice #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #vocalwarmup

Your voice follows your face.
Every emotion you show? It’s shaping how you sound.

Your facial expression directly impacts the resonance, tone, and emotional clarity of your speaking voice.

According to research in phonetics and speech physiology, when we animate our face—especially around the eyes, lips, and jaw—we create space, release tension, and open the vocal tract in ways that quite literally shape how sound travels through the body.

In short?
Your voice is a full-body experience.
Your message doesn’t just come from your mouth—it starts in your face.

🧠 Try this before your next performance, meeting, or recording:

Take 30 seconds to activate your facial muscles:

Raise and lower your eyebrows
Stretch into a wide “yawn face”
Hum while smiling… then while frowning
Notice how different you sound—and feel.

#voicecoach #facialexpression #speakingvoice #resonance #communicationcoach #actorvoice #teacherlife #voiceanddiction #expressivevoice #publicspeaking

Feeling dramatic today. Anyone else? 😂

#tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #vocalexerciseshelp #speakingskills #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #speakingvoice #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeaking #vocalwarmup #vocalfatigue #drama #theatrekid #hallmarkchannel #acting #voicecoach

Here is a comfy-cozy vocal warm-up you can do in bed.

I love doing these exercises. They help me start the day grounded, open, and relaxed.

Here’s 5 of my favorites:

1: Ground & Breathe
Lie on your back or side. Place one hand on your belly. Inhale through your nose, feeling your belly rise. Exhale through your mouth with a soft sigh—like “ahhh.”

Repeat 5–10 times.

This resets your nervous system and gently activates your support muscles.

2: Hum Into the Morning
On your next exhale, hum gently. Lips closed, face soft. Feel the buzz in your lips, nose, or cheeks. Try sliding your hum up and down like a quiet siren.

🎶 Humming is like yoga for your vocal cords—restorative and centering.

3: Tongue & Jaw Wiggle
Let your mouth hang open. Massage your jaw near your ears. Slowly trace your tongue around the inside of your lips, like you’re cleaning peanut butter off your gums.

👅 This releases hidden tension and opens space for resonance and clarity.

4: Wake Up the Words
Whisper or softly speak a favorite quote or affirmation. Try it slowly, then again with a smile.

✨ You’re waking up your lips, tongue, and teeth—with emotional connection, not force.

5: Sigh It Out
Let out a soft, full-body sigh. Like you’re sinking into warm blankets. Do it a few times and notice how your breath settles.

😌 A sigh signals safety and releases what you’ve been holding.

That’s it. 5 minutes.

🌙 Want a printable or audio version for your nightstand? Let me know in the comments!

#vocalwarmup #morningroutine #voicecare #communicationskills #vocalhealth #speakingvoice #publicspeakingtips #selfcare

Comment “SPEAK” and I’ll DM you my 6 Minute Vocal Warm-Up Video. ⬇️

#vocalexerciseshelp #speakingskills #tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #speakinginpublic #speakingwarmup #vocalwarmup #vocalwarmups #actingspeech #voiceanddiction #speechwarmup

The fastest way to improve your speaking voice (without trying too hard!)

Pause.

Seriously. Just stop. Breathe. Let the silence do some of the work for you.

When we’re nervous or excited, we rush. We fill every second with words, afraid of awkward silence.
But here’s the secret-pausing is power. It’s one of the first things I work on with students because it’s simple, effective, and instantly changes the way you sound.

Research backs this up, too. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that incorporating pauses-just 0.6 seconds within sentences and 0.6-1.2 seconds between sentences-can enhance listener comprehension and make your speech sound more natural. Pauses of this duration are linked to improved understanding and a more confident, authoritative delivery.

A pause gives your voice space to resonate. It helps your words land. It makes you sound more confident, more engaging, and more in control. And (bonus!) it shows you actually believe what you’re saying.

Pausing doesn’t just make you a better speaker-it makes you a better listener. Before you answer, take a moment. Let the words sink in. Pause before responding. It gives you time to gather your thoughts and makes the conversation feel more intentional.

And most importantly, it teaches you not to be afraid of taking up time and space.

#VoiceWork #PublicSpeaking #SpeakingTips
#EffectiveCommunication

When you’re nervous, your tongue often pulls back and up, which tightens your throat and blocks airflow. That’s one big reason your voice might feel stuck when your nervous.😬

Here’s 5 Exercises that help your voice come out strong and steady.

1: Notice the Tongue
Close your eyes.
Breathe normally and check in with your tongue.
Is it glued to the roof of your mouth? Curled? Pulled toward the back of your throat?
Awareness is the first step to change.

2: Do a “Tongue Dump”
Open your mouth.
Let your tongue flop out over your bottom lip like it’s melting off your face.

Breathe in and out through your nose for 5 seconds.
Do this 3 times to release unconscious tension.

💡 This looks silly, but it tells your nervous system: “We’re not in danger. We can speak.”

3: Say “La La La” with a Floppy Tongue
Slowly say “la la la,” exaggerating each L.
Keep the tongue lazy and forward.
Let your jaw be loose and mobile.

This retrains the tongue to move freely instead of freezing up or pulling back when you speak under stress.

4: Breathe + Speak on a Hiss
Inhale through your nose.
Exhale on a long “sssssss.”
Then say a calm phrase like: “I’m safe and I can speak.”

Repeat 3–5 times, getting a little louder each round.

This connects breath to voice while keeping the tongue from tensing up mid-sentence.

5: Hum + Rest the Tongue
Hum gently with your lips closed for a few seconds.
Let the hum buzz forward in your face.
Then stop and let your tongue rest flat and wide in the bottom of your mouth.

Begin speaking from this soft, released place.

🧘‍♀️ Humming resets your vocal system and keeps the tongue from jumping into “fight or flight” mode.

Save for later! 💛

#tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #vocalexerciseshelp #speakingskills #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeaking #speakingvoice #lostmyvoice

Thank you to everyone who joined recently! I’m so excited to see so many new people here. Thank you also if you’ve been here and you’re STILL here. It really means the world.

Please say hi! 👋Ask a question or let me know if there’s something your curious about related to your speaking voice. #tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #speakingskills #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #publicspeaking #publicspeakingtips #personalgrowth #speakingskills #vocalexerciseshelp #lostmyvoice

If your words sound a little mushy… it might be your lips. 👄
⁣
This quick drill wakes up the muscles around your mouth — so your speech sounds clear, confident, and intentional.
⁣
Great for:
✔️ Presentations
✔️ On-camera work
✔️ Voice notes
✔️ Auditions
✔️ Speaking up in class or meetings
✔️ Telling your kid to put their pants on for the third time 😅
⁣
🎯 You’ll feel the difference right away.
Just one minute — join me and try it!
⁣
👇 Did your voice feel sharper after? Let me know in the comments.

👯‍♀️ Tag a friend who would love this weird (but fun) warm-up!
⁣
#voicecoach #speechclarity #vocalwarmup #publicspeakingtips #voiceanddiction #actortraining #confidentspeaking #articulationexercise #voicepractice

Comment “DRY” I’ll DM you a free google doc of my 20 GO-TO PRE-SHOW DRY MOUTH HACKS! ⤵️

#VoiceCareTips #SpeakWithConfidence #VocalHealthMatters #DryMouthFix #VocalWarmups #VoiceCoachLife #VoiceTipsDaily #SpeakingVoiceSupport #ClearSpeechTools #HealthyVoiceHabits #AuthenticVoice #WarmUpYourVoice #PublicSpeakingHelp #ConfidentVoice #VoiceAndDictionCoach #ActorVoiceTips #StageVoiceSupport #VoiceOverTipsAndTricks #VoiceWellness #VocalTechnique101 #VoiceCoach #VocalHealth #PublicSpeakingTips #ActorLife #VoiceOverLife #ContentCreatorTips #SpeechTips

Over the years, I’ve found a few surprising vocal health habits that help me stay grounded, expressive, and vocally pain-free by the end of the day.

This photo was taken on set in 2014 with one of my favorite directors Rich Brauer @brauer_productions

Here are 5 tips I keep in my back pocket—and now, you can too. Swipe through and check them out!

They’re weird. They’re effective. And they work every single time.

Save this if your voice has to work long hours, and tag a friend who might find this helpful. 🙌

#VocalHealth #VoiceTips #ActorVoice #VoiceCare #HealthyVoice #VocalCoach #VoiceTraining #PerformanceVoice #VoiceAndDiction #ResonantVoice #SpeakingVoice #CreativeVoice

BTS as a Voice + Diction Coach. 😜

#tonguetwisters #vocalexercises #vocalexerciseshelp #speakingskills #communicationskills #speakwithconfidence #ᴠᴏᴄᴀʟʜᴇᴀʟᴛʜ #speakingvoice #publicspeaking #publicspeakingtips #lostmyvoice #personalgrowth #voice #voice #btsvoice #creativeprocess #dailywarmup #voicecoach #dictioncoach #articulate #dictioncoach #learnonline #vocalexercises

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