Do you struggle with speaking louder without resorting to a higher pitch? Many folks, especially, but not exclusively, those who have undergone testosterone puberty face this challenge. In this blog post, we will explore an exercise called the volume knob exercise that can help you improve volume control in your voice, whether or not you have taken testosterone.

The volume knob exercise focuses on gradually increasing your volume while maintaining a consistent pitch. This exercise comes from my course, Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone, which you can get for 25% off using the code PRIDE2023 until the end of June.

The video above shows an excerpt from this course, or you can follow along with the exercise as described below.

To get started, find a quiet space where you can minimize ambient noise. Although using a decibel meter can provide helpful feedback, it is not necessary for this exercise. You can simply rely on your own perception of volume or, if desired, use a tuner or drone to ensure pitch stability.

1. Getting Started

Choose a comfortable note within your speaking range as your target note. This will serve as your starting point. Take a deep breath and begin singing "Ah" softly, gradually increasing the volume without changing the pitch. Focus on controlling the volume and maintaining a steady flow of air.

2. Using a Decibel Meter

If you prefer to have external feedback, you can use a decibel meter to monitor your volume levels. Ensure that you are able to distinguish the difference between your baseline volume and the increased volume. However, keep in mind that a decibel meter is not essential for this exercise and can be omitted if not readily available.

3. Pitch Modification

Once you have mastered the exercise at your target pitch, you can experiment with modifying your airflow, posture, or even pitch to see if it produces different results. You can try repeating the exercise at a lower or higher pitch to explore your volume control capabilities. Keep in mind that lower pitches tend to be more challenging to control in terms of volume.

4. Personalizing the Exercise

As you progress, you may discover that certain adjustments work better for you. For example, some individuals find it easier to control volume at slightly higher pitches, while others may find better air support by extending their arms outward. Customize the exercise to suit your own voice and body, experimenting with different techniques to achieve optimal volume control.

Remember, consistency and practice are key when working on volume control in your voice. Regularly incorporating the volume knob exercise into your vocal training routine can help you gradually improve your ability to speak louder without sacrificing the low pitch you want.

If you would like to explore this exercise further or see more exercises from this course, consider checking out Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone.

With practice and patience, you can gain better control over your volume, allowing your voice to be heard with confidence and clarity. So go ahead, turn up the volume knob on your voice and unleash its full potential. Happy speaking!

Happy Pride Month! 🌈