How Does Shortness of Breath Affect Voice?
In addition to keeping us alive, breathing is the power source of our voice. Effective breathing facilitates clear speech sound production, adequate loudness of voice, quality of voice, and endurance when speaking. When we do not breathe effectively, the loudness and quality of our voice deteriorates, making it difficult for us to be understood. Shortness of breath is usually due to an underlying medical condition and may or may not be optimally managed. So, how does shortness of breath affect voice?
Affects of Shortness of Breath on Voice
Shortness of breath results in a quieter voice, limits sentence length, changes the flow and rhythm of speech, and can result in a change in vocal quality such as hoarseness.
The most effective breathing to support voice is diaphragmatic breathing. This is same as belly breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing improves our voice by allowing us to inhale more air and control the air we exhale using diaphragm muscles rather than throat muscles. Diaphragmatic breathing allows us to reduce vocal strain and speak with more relaxed muscles of our throat and vocal cords.
Basic Steps for Diaphragmatic Breathing
- Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.
- Relax your shoulders by rolling them down and away from your ears.
- Place one hand on your chest and one hand over your navel.
- Breathe in through your nose. You should feel your stomach moving outward while your chest remains relatively still.
- Purse your lips and exhale slowly for about the same amount of time as in step 4.
- Repeat these steps.
- If you start while lying flat, try to complete the same steps sitting up, then when standing. When standing, back up against a wall. This will help keep your back straight and your head and neck over your spine.
As with learning any new skill, it may take practice to breath effectively. But the result will be a stronger clearer voice.