Vocal projection is simple: we simply speak with the intention to include everyone and adjust our voice to the space between us and others, as needed. When we speak with an intention that is for and includes the audience, our voice will carry effortlessly and appropriately to fill the space. Forcing our voices to be louder or softer just sounds…louder and softer. And can even hurt our vocal cords—yes, forcing a whisper can be painful.

I am reminded of an exercise we did in acting school. We were told to hold up one arm, straight out from our shoulder, while another student tried to push it down. Our only direction was to hold it up as strongly as possible. We struggled against the pressure for a few seconds until our arm folded. Next, we were told to imagine there was a strong current of water flowing up from the earth, through our legs, and powerfully shooting from our outstretched arm. Miraculously,…Read on.