How Posture affects Voice
My personal assignment right now is to unpack my never used stage voice.
To sing a solo, or even a concert.
I would love to sing on stage – to a thousand people.
I see the plan! A thousand expectant faces, a mic, a stage, lights.
My abiding love of singing is never an issue
– my voice is an integral part – so why not sing out?
Is there anything more wonderful than that sweet smell of success….
– it urges me on, drives me to do this!
I set the scene. I visit the theatre in my mind.
The stage is bare, the seats empty, the auditorium echoes with its emptiness.
I ask myself will fear stop me. Do I have enough guts?
Will I be loud enough?
Will I have enough breath?
Will my voice desert me half-way through?
Fear is a constant companion, muttering in the background.
But I am not willing to give up. I push forward.
At this point, it is time to go for coaching, time to be practical. Get an outside view.
Put my toe in the water. Size up my mission.
I learn new things.
Acknowledge old knowings.
My voice struggles.
Breathing comes bit by bit.
….Fear pays another visit!
I persevere.
And now, ready or not, it is time to keep my own promise!
Time to face the world (and my demons)…
I notice fear still making me heavy.
The weighty head works harder
The torso crunches a little with the burden, unknowingly! Unseen!
Some call it bad posture…
But! I am determined.
Resolute
Then……I am on the stage
The lights blinding
The audience waiting in suspense
No time for fear now….
I don’t know what will happen
I have no assurance it will work
I trust the moment
Fear and excitement; the two sides of the same coin.
I stand poised;
Excitement is exhilarating, weightless;
My head moves with buoyancy lightly on the spine
I notice my spine releases to follow this lightness
My neck relieved of the pressure, eases
The whole frame responds in delight
Breathing has more breath; it is freer, easier…
This alone is invigorating
The body responds to the extra freedom
Eyes sparkle as the whole face softens; reacts to the moment
The voice clear and connecting
– nothing hinders its power
The audience is absorbed
And then – it is over.
Enjoyment is everywhere.
Excitement is catchy…
I am at peace.
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