How to Deepen Your Voice Safely (For Trans Men)

Summary

In this video, Jack, a trans actor and director, shares vocal techniques he uses with trans masculine actors to help deepen their voices safely. He discusses the importance of distinguishing between head, chest, and belly voices, providing guidance on how to access the lower registers of the voice without straining or causing harm. Jack emphasizes the value of professional training while offering practical advice for trans men, especially those who are pre- or mid-transition. The video encourages practicing techniques to enhance vocal resonance and avoid damaging vocal cords, with a focus on relaxation and proper breath control.

Takeaways

• 😀 Jack is a trans actor and director, and he shares voice work techniques for trans masculine actors.
• 😀 He has been on testosterone for almost 5 months and has noticed benefits from his voice work in his own voice transition.
• 😀 Jack emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between head, chest, and belly voices.
• 😀 The head voice is the highest register and is often used when speaking to strangers or answering the phone.
• 😀 The chest voice is where most people speak regularly and is characterized by vibrations felt in the chest.
• 😀 The belly voice, which Jack primarily uses in the video, is deeper and more resonant, located in the lower chest or abdomen.
• 😀 He advises against using techniques that strain or damage the vocal cords, such as pushing sound through the throat or tensing the jaw.
• 😀 Jack aims to show how actors find deep, resonant voices safely, as opposed to potentially harmful techniques.
• 😀 The techniques taught in the video are based on Linklater voice work, which Jack adapts for trans masculine people.
• 😀 Jack recommends practicing regularly, ensuring a relaxed body and proper breathing techniques to safely access the belly voice.
• 😀 The key to accessing the belly voice is proper breathing and allowing the voice to naturally resonate in the lower registers of the body.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of the video script?

The main purpose of the video is to share voice techniques for trans masculine actors, particularly focusing on how they can deepen their voices in a safe and healthy way, especially during the early stages of testosterone (T) transition.

What are the three different voice registers described in the video?

The three voice registers described are: the head voice (higher pitch, often used with strangers), the chest voice (used for most speaking and feels like vibrations in the chest), and the belly voice (deeper, more resonant voice, used in the video for teaching purposes).

What is the importance of not tensing the jaw or neck when working with the voice?

Tensing the jaw or neck while speaking can cause damage to the vocal cords over time, potentially leading to loss of voice. The video stresses that using safe techniques ensures a full and healthy voice change during the T transition.

What should actors avoid when trying to deepen their voices?

Actors should avoid grading or pushing sound out from the throat, as well as tensing the jaw or neck, as these actions can harm the vocal cords and impede the natural voice change process.

What is the significance of the actor's professional background in the video?

The actor's professional background is important because it provides credibility to the techniques being shared. While the actor is not a professional voice coach or therapist, their experience in acting and working with trans actors informs the voice training methods presented.

How does the actor recommend finding the belly voice?

The actor suggests starting with breathwork, focusing on deep breaths into the lower abdomen, and using physical cues like placing hands on the stomach to feel the breath. After this, the actor demonstrates humming and gradually moving the sound lower, until the belly voice is accessed.

Why is it important to practice voice techniques regularly?

Regular practice is crucial because it helps transition the voice into a lower, resonant register safely. It also ensures the changes in pitch and resonance become more noticeable over time, particularly for those who haven't been accustomed to using the belly voice.

What role does relaxation play in voice training?

Relaxation is key to effective voice training, as tension in the body can hinder proper breathing and vocal production. The actor emphasizes loosening the body, dropping the shoulders, and breathing naturally to achieve the best results.

What advice is given regarding vocal exercises in the video?

The video encourages viewers to follow the exercises slowly, ensuring they do not force the sound, and to maintain a relaxed posture. Pausing during the exercises is also recommended to ensure each step is done correctly.

Can you expect immediate results from the techniques shared in the video?

No, immediate dramatic results may not be visible, as the voice may already be close to the desired register. However, with consistent practice, viewers are likely to see noticeable improvements in their voice, particularly if they are used to speaking in a higher register.