Breath—it’s the unsung hero of podcasting. If your breathing’s off, you’ll sound tense, rushed, or flat-out knackered. But get it right, and your voice becomes relaxed, natural, and the kind of sound people want to listen to over a cuppa.
Why Breath Control Is a Game-Changer
Good breathing isn’t just for yoga buffs now you know, it’s essential for sounding like your best self on the mic. Proper breath control:
– Keeps your voice steady and strong, even when you’re feeling nervous.
– Helps you avoid those awkward gasps for air mid-sentence (you know the ones).
– Lets you deliver longer sentences without running out of steam.
3 Common Breathing Blunders Podcasters Make
– Shallow Breathing: If your breath feels like it’s coming from high in your chest, your voice will sound thin and strained.
– Noisy In-Breaths: When your breathing methods are outa whack, it can mean more tension in the voice and this will make your in-breaths super noisy – an editor’s nightmare!
– Holding Your Breath: Nervous? You might not even realize you’re doing this, but it’s a fast track to sounding tense and monotone.
Breathing Techniques for a Natural Delivery
Don’t fret! Here are a few wee tips to get your breath on point before you record:
1. Focus on the out breath
If you breathe out, your body will breathe in, that’ just science innit! It’s how our bodies are designed so we don’t die in our sleep. Clever. So next time you need to breathe in, make sure you breathe out first. Start with a good sigh. Let all your air out—think of the relief of collapsing onto the couch after a long day. Your in-breath will be quieter, more natural and more in tune with the sentence you’re about to speak.
2. Let the Breath Drop In
Once you’re breath is out, let a deep, natural breath drop in, expanding low into your belly. Nice and easy, no forcing it. Do this a few times to release tension, steady your nerves and encourage a breathe that will last as long as you need it to.
3. Keep it moving.
Breathe in easily with that lovely, loose belly, then gently release on buzzy “th” sound (like the start of the word this) for as long as is comfortable. Whilst you’re doing this, gently pull your belly button towards the spine. Then, release your belly, let another breath in and go again! Welcome to breath support. It’s the sure-fire way to a voice that is confident and consistent, no matter how long you need to record for.
Make It a Habit
The best podcast hosts make great breathing second nature. If you try thes exercises every day, as preparation for recording your podcast —it’ll help you stay consistent and sound more conversational on every recording.
Fancy geeking out about breath?
Breath is the foundation of a confident voice. Download my free Breath Awareness Track to get to know your breathing habits and discover how to breathe better, sound better, and podcast like a feckin’ pro.
