The Importance of Voice Training in Teaching

The human voice is an innate means of basic speech and communication.

The first requirement for effective speech is a well-trained voice that can be used skilfully through stress, intonation and diction.

Whatever their profession, people need to speak to communicate. For those whose chosen occupation involves continuous speaking, speech and voice training become even more important.

Teaching involves conveying knowledge to learners through appropriate educational methods. It requires effective speech, clear expression and a well-trained voice. A teacher who cannot speak well cannot explain ideas clearly and concisely; extensive knowledge alone does not make a good teacher. Good speaking matters in every profession, but voice training is especially important for teachers, who must address crowded classrooms for many years. Future teachers should therefore learn about voice training and protection to reduce the risk of losing their voices later.

The original article describes primary and secondary schools in Turkey as operating in double shifts, with classes averaging 50–60 pupils and sometimes 70–80 in densely populated areas. In such circumstances, it says, teachers strain their voices without realising it to make themselves heard and do their work. They can face serious voice problems early in their careers, sometimes even voice loss. The article proposes systematic voice training and instruction in voice protection and use at faculties of education as a solution, and calls for voice-training classes alongside professional teaching courses in all teacher-training institutions.

Air is needed to produce the human voice, and the respiratory organs supply it. During inhalation, the chest cavity expands downwards, particularly through the active movement of the diaphragm. Air passes through the nose or mouth, pharynx, larynx, trachea and bronchioles to reach the alveoli. As the ribs descend and the diaphragm relaxes, the chest cavity becomes smaller and pressure in the lungs rises, pushing air out along the same route. This is the breathing pattern most often used in daily life. Breathing for speaking and singing requires a somewhat different approach. The original article advises taking breath without putting pressure on the heart during prolonged speaking or singing. It describes a full inhalation as pressing on the heart, which lies closer to the left lung, and links this to a feeling of strain. It therefore recommends breathing into the lower lungs and, in its wording, “into the diaphragm” for ease and comfort. It also describes the freely moving 11th and 12th pairs of ribs as helping the diaphragm and lungs during breathing.

For singing and speaking, the principle is to take a short, quick and sufficient breath without overfilling, then release the air slowly and steadily over a longer period, using it economically. Avoid holding the breath; use it comfortably and with control, maintaining a flowing breathing cycle. Posture also matters: stand upright, relaxed and balanced on both feet, or sit upright and comfortably without stiffness. In professions involving continuous speech or singing, breathing and posture alone are not enough to protect vocal health. The voice should be used without fatigue, particularly avoiding strain at high pitches. Do not use it for excessive periods; allow breaks. Articulation matters not only for intelligibility but also because it supports breathing and voice production. Characteristics associated with different voice types may also contribute to fatigue.

Anatomical abnormalities and physical conditions arising from various causes can also directly affect the voice. It should therefore be used with awareness and care.

As discussed above, people whose profession depends on their voice should receive voice training. It should be taught as a course in all teacher-training institutions in our country.

Zeynep Fuçucuoğlu
Rekor Sanat – Singing Teacher