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Have you ever felt like your speaking and singing voices are completely different? Some people even describe it as having a “real” voice and a “fake” voice. However, both voices are part of the same incredible instrument. Let’s explore why they sound so different and how you can bring them together to enhance your vocal performance.
Speaking vs Singing: What’s the Difference?
It’s a common misconception that speaking and singing involve entirely separate mechanisms. In reality, the same vocal folds are at work in both, though they operate differently depending on the task.
When speaking, you tend to use a limited pitch range, often in what’s called the lower register. This makes conversation feel natural and effortless. Singing, however, pushes you to explore a broader range, including the upper register. This shift can make singing feel very different from speaking—it’s like asking your voice to change gears.
The Science Behind Your Voice
Your voice relies on finely tuned muscles in the larynx (voice box) to produce sound. These muscles adjust the tension and length of your vocal folds to create different pitches.
Think of them as a coordinated team working together. The thyroarytenoid muscle is often the predominantly active muscle in the lower register, which suits speaking well. For higher notes, the cricothyroid muscle plays a key role, helping to thin and stretch the vocal folds.
When singing, balancing these muscles is crucial for seamless transitions between registers. Initially, this shift may feel awkward or disconnected, but practice makes it much smoother.
A Real-Life Example: Adele
To see this in action, consider Adele’s performance of Someone Like You. In the verse, “I heard that you settled down,” her voice sits in the lower register, producing a warm and grounded tone. As she moves into the chorus, “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you,” her voice transitions to the upper register, creating emotional contrast and impact.
This isn’t a shift from a “real” voice to a “fake” one. Instead, Adele demonstrates masterful control of her vocal registers, using them to elevate the song’s emotional intensity. With practice, you can learn to do the same.
Practical Exercises to Improve Vocal Transitions
If you want to connect your speaking and singing voices more smoothly, try this NG exercise:
Stage 1: Smooth Sirens
Start with a continuous siren sound using the NG. Glide from low to high and back down. This helps engage both registers gently and naturally.
Stage 2: Targeted Notes
Practise specific pitches using a keyboard or an exercise track. My Voice Essentials 1 collection includes an excellent option in Exercise 4. Focus on reducing air pressure as you transition to ensure a smoother, more controlled sound.
Stage 3: Descending NG
Begin in your upper register and sing downward using the NG. This technique strengthens the muscles responsible for higher notes while balancing transitions between registers.
Pro Tip: Maintain gentle air pressure during these exercises. Overexertion can lead to discomfort, such as throat tickles or coughing, which may hinder progress.
Bringing It All Together
Your speaking and singing voices aren’t separate; they’re two expressions of the same instrument. By understanding how your vocal folds and registers work and practising regularly, you can create a more unified sound.
Take Your Next Step
Would you like to explore this topic further? Visit my YouTube channel, where I share weekly tips, exercises, and insights to help you unlock your vocal potential. If this blog was helpful, share it with friends or leave a comment with your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!
Until next time, sing well!
Sing well!
Dr Dan
For more about your speaking and singing voices, check out this video…
Disclaimer: This blog post was generated by ChatGPT-4o, an AI language model, based on Dr Dan’s video script (original work). For a comprehensive understanding of the topic, we suggest watching the original video above.
— TOOLS for SINGERS —
* Download your FREE Worksheet here – https://drdan.co/SingingPracticeWorksheet
* FREE 7 Day Vocal Technique Detox
* More Vocal Exercises
* Dr Dan’s Online Singing Course