Hey there, friends! Today, we're talking about a top that comes up often when working on voice masculinization (or making your voice lower for any reason!), and that is the loss of volume that comes with lower notes. This is such a common problem that I actually made an entire lesson about it in my course, Masculinize Your Voice Without Testosterone, which you can check out for free here. You can also scroll down to the bottom of this post for a short video about it, or keep reading!

A Question from the Community

The other day, during one of my TikTok Live sessions, a question popped up in the chat. A transmasculine person was seeking advice on how to make their lower notes resonate more confidently when speaking. It's a question that "resonates" with many of my students who are navigating the nuances of masculine gender expression and the voice.

Understanding the Challenge

Now, let's break it down. You see, for some of us, our vocal journey involves embracing a lower pitch, aligning our voice with our gender identity. However, achieving that deeper pitch can be easier said than done. Often, we find ourselves grappling with the challenge of projecting our authentic sound with clarity and confidence.

What is Happening Physically?

Just like with singing, producing a louder sound when speaking requires more relaxed vocal folds, vibrating slower. If you slowly make the pitch of your voice higher, you can sometimes feel the increased tension that occurs. Move in the other direction, and you'll feel the opposite, decrease in tension. However, more volume requires more air pressure which is very hard to achieve with loose relaxed vocal folds.

This is where the Volume Knob Technique comes in!

Introducing the Volume Knob Technique

Think of this exercise as adjusting the volume on a radio, gradually increasing the intensity of your sound. By starting at a comfortable volume and gradually dialling it up, you're training your vocal cords to handle increased pressure, even in those lower registers. I would start this exercise on a note that you can comfortably make at any volume and then gradually decrease the pitch over time. Scroll down and watch the video at the end of this post for an example!

The Journey Towards Vocal Confidence

Now, let's talk about the journey itself. Embracing your authentic voice is a deeply personal process, one that requires patience, self-compassion, and a willingness to explore new possibilities. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach to vocal expression. Your voice is uniquely yours, and it deserves to be celebrated in all its complexity.

Join Me for More Insights

If you're hungry for more insights into the transmasculine speaking voice and beyond, I invite you to join me on TikTok Live. Every Monday afternoon (eastern time), I'm here to answer your questions, share tips and techniques, and provide a supportive space for our community to thrive.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, friends! Embracing your authentic voice is a journey of self-discovery and empowerment. With the right tools and techniques, you can amplify your sound and speak your truth with confidence and clarity. Together, let's celebrate the beauty of diversity in vocal expression. Until next time, keep speaking your truth!