| Vocal Tip of the Month! |
The
voice is activated by breath. Therefore, knowing how
to
breathe is of prime important in using your voice correctly.
The
most common mistake people make during inhalation, is to raise
their chest to take a big breath. If you do that, you will
only
fill the upper portion of your lungs using 1/3 of their full capacity.
Instead, take a deep breath and don't be shy to let your
stomach
come out. To support your voice during speech and to activate
your diaphragm, apply downward pressure during exhalation. Do
not
tuck your belly in. That will only create tension on your
larynx
and crush your vocal cords. Slightly push downward just like
if
you were blowing out candles on a birthday cake. Only a tiny
bit
of pressure is required to support the voice, especially the speaking
voice. Practice deep breathing to relax or to help you
concentrate. If you feel dizzy the first couple times, don't
worry... You will soon get used to breathing correctly.
Please, just don't do this while you're driving!
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Interesting
Facts
As we spend most of
our time indoors, fresh
air shortage can affect our health greatly. Because of their
quick
metabolism and smaller breathing passages, children are more vulnerable
to pollutants, viruses and allergens. Clean air goes
a long
way in influencing how students behave in your classroom.
It's
somewhat easy to regulate air quality in your home but not so much in
your school. However, you can still help. Health Canada has
published a useful guide* to help admistration and staff promoting
quality indoor air in schools. Use the classroom check list below to
find out how to improve the air quality in your classroom.
Classroom
Air Quality Checklist
*
Health Canada. Environmental & Workplace Health,
Tools for Schools. http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ewh-semt/air/in/school-ecole/index_e.html
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| Inspiring Quotes and Stories... |
Let's
all celebrate our blessings in the New Year! "Thank you" are
the
most powerful words you will ever say and hear. Yes, the
thoughts
and feelings of gratitude can transform your life and spread joy to
many around you. I also want to take this opportunity to wish
you
love, health and success for 2008. Click below to
view my
New Year ecard to you:
New
Year Ecard
from Voice Yourself!
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