If you're working on voice feminization, you might be wondering:

• How do I make my voice sound lighter?
• Why does my voice feel heavy or buzzy when I speak?
• Is there an easy way to train this without straining?

Good news! There’s one key exercise that makes all the difference—and it’s backed by vocal science.

In this post, I’ll break down:

• The science behind why some voices feel "heavy"
• How SOVT exercises help lighten your voice
• Five ways to practice (two of which require no equipment!)

And, of course, I’ll guide you through the exercise step-by-step—so stick around and give it a try!

Watch the video for a full walkthrough:

What Is SOVT and Why Does It Matter?

The magic exercise we’re talking about today falls under SOVT training—but don’t let the name intimidate you!

SOVT stands for Semi-Occluded Vocal Tract. In simple terms, it just means that when you make sound, your vocal tract (the space from your vocal folds to your lips) is partially closed instead of fully open.

Think about it this way:

• When you sing or speak normally, your vocal tract is open (like saying "laaaah").
• When you hum, blow into a straw, or play a kazoo, your vocal tract is partially closed.

That’s all SOVT means!

Now, why does this help lighten the voice? Let’s get a little nerdy.

The Science of a "Lighter" Voice

What Makes a Voice Feel Heavy?

The weight of your voice (also called vocal fold mass) is affected by:

1. How thick your vocal folds are
2. How tightly they press together when you speak

If your voice deepened due to testosterone (from puberty or HRT), your vocal folds might be naturally thicker, leading to a heavier, buzzier sound.

But here’s the thing: You can train your vocal folds to come together more gently—creating a naturally lighter, thinner voice.

How SOVTs Help Lighten Your Voice

When you phonate (make sound), your vocal folds press together and vibrate as air flows from your lungs. But they also have to balance pressure from below (subglottic pressure) and above (supraglottic pressure).

Here’s where SOVT exercises come in:

• They add gentle back pressure above the folds, making it easier for them to stay vibrating with less force.
• They encourage the folds to press together more lightly, leading to a naturally lighter sound over time.
• They reduce unnecessary muscle tension, helping you find a clearer, more effortless voice.

And the best part? It’s super easy to practice.

5 Ways to Practice SOVT Exercises

You don’t need fancy equipment to start using SOVT exercises. Here are five ways to do it—pick the one that works best for you.

1. Straw Phonation (Most Popular)

• How to do it: Hum or phonate through a straw, like you would a kazoo.
• Why it works: The narrow straw creates gentle back pressure, making phonation easier.
• What you need: A straw (narrower = more resistance).

I personally use Singing Straws, which are adjustable, reusable, and easy to clean. If you want to check them out, you can click this affiliate link, and you can use code ReneeYoxon10 for 10% off. (Not sponsored—I just love them.)

2. Straw in Water

• How to do it: Instead of just phonating through a straw, place it in a cup of water and create bubbles as you vocalize.
• Why it works: The bubbles add extra resistance, making this version even more effective.
• Pro Tip: Adjust difficulty by changing the water level or using a thicker liquid (but maybe not kefir… trust me, it gets messy).

3. Straw and Cup Method

• How to do it: Poke a small hole in a paper cup, insert a straw, and phonate into the cup.
• Why it works: Allows you to practice SOVTs while speaking normally—which you can’t do with a regular straw.
• Great for: Anyone who struggles to hold a straw in their mouth due to excess tension, facial paralysis, or accessibility needs.

4. Humming with One Nostril Closed

• How to do it: Hum while closing one nostril.
• Why it works: Your nasal passage partially occludes airflow, creating gentle back pressure like a straw.
• Bonus tip: Adjust resistance by partially closing the second nostril for more challenge.

5. Blowfish Face

• How to do it: Puff out your cheeks while keeping your lips closed, then phonate with a small air escape.
• Why it works: Creates natural back pressure with zero equipment—great for on-the-go practice.

Let’s Practice Together!

Now that you know five ways to do SOVTs, it’s time to pick one and practice along with me.

Go back to the video above and follow along as I guide you through a real-time SOVT session. Let’s get that voice feeling lighter and easier!

Conclusion: Train Smarter, Not Harder

SOVT exercises are one of the best tools for lightening your voice because they:

• Encourage gentler vocal fold closure
• Reduce unnecessary tension
• Make higher notes and a lighter sound easier to access

If you found this helpful and want to go deeper, I have a free webinar where I teach you to shift the gender of your voice—without straining or guessing.

Click here to sign up for the free webinar!

And don’t forget to like and subscribe on YouTube for more videos to support your gender euphoria journey.

Let me know in the video comments which SOVT method you’ll try first!