Having a consistent voice practice routine is essential for anyone working on modifying their voice, but for individuals with ADHD, maintaining consistency can be a challenge. In this blog post, we'll explore some helpful voice practice hacks specifically designed for people with ADHD. We'll help you achieve a consistent practice with these three tricks: sticky notes, combining practice with high dopamine activities, and enlisting the support of friends through the "Phone a Friend" technique.

Consistency Matters, But It Doesn't Have to Be Time-Bound

Consistency is key when it comes to developing any skill, including voice modification. However, being consistent doesn't necessarily mean practicing at the same time every day. It means regularly engaging in practice over time. Whether you practice three times a week, five times a week, or even once a week, the important thing is to build your practice gradually. Scheduling practice may not work, but as long as you're regularly engaging with your practice, that's consistency!

Sticky Notes: Simple Reminders for Regular Practice

One hack that I love for incorporating voice practice into your daily routine is using sticky notes. Grab a pack of sticky notes and write down exercises or phrases you want to practice on each note. Place these notes in visible locations around your home, such as the bathroom mirror, the fridge, or your computer monitor. By strategically placing these reminders, you create cues that prompt you to engage in your voice practice. This technique is especially useful if you prefer micro-practice sessions throughout the day.

Combining Practice with High-Dopamine Activities

Individuals with ADHD are often motivated by activities that offer immediate rewards. To make your voice practice more enjoyable and engaging, try combining it with high dopamine activities. These activities can include watching your favourite TV show, playing video games, or any other pastime that brings you joy. For example, while watching a TV show, repeat the lines spoken by characters whose voices you admire. By imitating their speech patterns, you can practice and refine your own target voice. Or if you're playing a video game with an unvoiced character, voice that character yourself every time their lines are on the screen. This way, you'll be more likely to stay consistent with your practice because you're aligning it with activities that already bring you pleasure.

Phone a Friend: Building Community and Accountability

Creating a supportive community around your trans voice journey can significantly enhance your progress. The "Phone a Friend" technique involves enlisting the help of a friend who will randomly call you throughout the week for one-minute practice sessions. These sessions don't have to be long; they simply need to be regular. Ask a few friends to call you once a week and practice your target voice during these short sessions. Your friends don't need to do anything other than listen and provide support. This technique adds an element of accountability and ensures that you stay consistent with your practice.

Remember: Be Kind to Yourself

Consistency is crucial when it comes to voice practice but remember, it's not about rigidly adhering to a specific schedule but finding ways to practice that work for you. And also keep in mind that you won't get to your goal faster by punishing yourself for not practicing. If you try the above tricks and still you find that weeks go by without practicing, it's not a you problem, it's a practice problem. Try mixing things up, or maybe incorporating some games from my Cognitive Loads Games ebook.

Above all, treat yourself compassionately as you would a close friend. You are worthy of that!