In this episode of Be Truly Heard, Anne explores why a vocal warm-up matters, using the athlete analogy to highlight performance and injury prevention for speakers. She explains voice as a whole system of breath, abdominal support, larynx and focus, and how speaking raises adrenaline that benefits from light movement. Simple habit ideas make warm-ups easy to fit into mornings, anchored to the toothbrush, kettle or shower.
A short guided sequence covers breath reset, gentle Z or V voicing, tongue and jaw release, facial activation, crisp consonants, and an easy hum to wake range. Anne clarifies the difference between warming up and training, encourages tailoring to the task, and invites listeners to get in touch for personalised guidance.
Key Takeaways
Treat your voice like an athlete’s: warm up to avoid fatigue, improve performance and reduce risk.
Build a morning habit: stack vocal warm-ups onto existing routines (kettle note, fridge sticky, shower steam).
Breathe efficiently: long, leaky psh out-breath; let the lower tummy release to refill, no chest pushing.
Wake the folds gently with Z/V; add tongue circles, TH stretch, light jaw massage, “five wows”, then P-T-K / B-D-G bursts.
Glide pitch with puffed cheeks to ease range, keep effort low, and movements relaxed.
Safety first: don’t practise while driving/using machinery; be cautious with clicky jaws/teeth-grinding.
Warm-ups differ from training; tailor them to phone calls, Zoom or projecting to a room (with/without mic).
App tip: One Minute Voice Warm Up by Speech Tools/Vocal Process can keep you consistent.
Best Moments
“If you use your voice a lot… you are actually a professional voice user.”
“Using your voice is like running or any other sport.”
“A warm-up is there just to get the voice going.”
“By the way, if you’re listening to this in the car, don’t do this.”
About the host
With over 28 years’ voice-teaching experience, Anne Leatherland helps clients progress quickly and achieve goals with confidence. Bridging science, education and the performing arts, she is a science graduate, qualified teacher and singing teacher with advanced training in voice practice, vocal habilitation and life coaching. As the only Vocal Process Associate Trainer, Anne mentors and trains other voice teachers. Her holistic, collaborative approach nurtures every aspect of the voice alongside personal growth.
Find out more: https://anneleatherland.co.uk/
Resources mentioned
Don’t forget that you can also now see this episode on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@vocalintuition3343
Be Truly Heard, Anne’s coaching for speaking with confidence and impact
