Hey there, it's Renée, your go-to gender-affirming voice teacher! Today, let's delve into a fantastic question from one of my commenters: "What do I do if I can control both pitch and resonance, but it still doesn’t sound feminine?" Well, grab a cup of tea and get comfy because I've got three transformative ideas for you.

As someone deeply committed to helping you uncover a speaking voice that you love and that expresses your gender, I understand that pitch and resonance are the stars of trans voice training. Yet, if you've been diligently honing these skills and still find yourself yearning for that perfect feminine tone, fear not – there's more to the journey.

1. Playing with Vocal Weight: Beyond the Basics

Think of vocal weight as the hidden gem in the trio of pitch and resonance. It's the often-overlooked characteristic that defines how thick or thin, heavy or light your sound is. If you're wondering where to start, look no further than my blog post about the "Chicken Neck" exercise. This quirky exercise is designed to mechanically thin your vocal folds, making it easier to maintain that thin shape when you go to speak.

Vocal weight might just be the secret ingredient you've been missing in your pursuit of the perfect feminine tone. Embrace the challenge and let your voice take on a whole new dimension.

2. Dynamics and Inflection: Painting with Your Voice

Now, let's talk dynamics – the spice of vocal life! How we emphasize parts of speech - whether with pitch, volume, or tempo - plays a significant role in expressing gender. If you've hit a plateau in your journey, consider changing the dynamic range of your pitches when you speak.

In my recent blog post, I delved into this very topic, offering insights on playing with inflection to add layers of nuance to your voice. Think of it as giving yourself a chance to discover the vibrant spectrum of expression that goes beyond what you have become accustomed to using.

3. Unlocking Nonverbal Communication Codes: The Power of Presence

Alright, let's venture into a whole new dimension – nonverbal communication. Beyond the voice itself, elements like eye contact, touching behaviour, posture, and facial expressions contribute significantly to gender expression.

If you've explored every vocal avenue and still feel a bit off, it's time to tap into the power of nonverbal communication. I recently posted a blog post breaking down the codes and offering practical tips to align your body language with your authentic self. It's a holistic approach to gender expression that extends beyond the confines of vocal techniques.

Now, you might be thinking, "Where can I find these transformative videos?" Fear not! I've consolidated all my wisdom in one place – my blog. It's a treasure trove of tips, exercises, and in-depth discussions, complete with a robust search function that surpasses TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube.

Of course, I've linked all the posts mentioned above, but you can also head over to reneeyoxon.com/blog where you'll discover a wealth of resources to guide you on your voice journey. Whether you're a seasoned explorer or just starting, there's something for everyone.

Remember, your voice is a unique masterpiece, and finding the perfect blend of pitch, resonance, vocal weight, dynamics, and nonverbal cues takes time. Embrace the journey, enjoy the process, and celebrate every step toward discovering the feminine voice that's uniquely yours.

In conclusion, these three strategies – playing with vocal weight, exploring dynamics and inflection, and unlocking nonverbal communication codes – offer a holistic approach to voice training. They go beyond the conventional realms of pitch and resonance, inviting you to discover the multifaceted nature of your voice.

I hope these tips add a new dimension to your voice training adventure. Happy experimenting!