Coach Nelle's Voice Tip Ep. 5

Welcome back to Coach Nelle's tips!

If there’s one simple vocal technique that consistently delivers big results, it’s the yawn-sigh. Beloved by singers, actors, and voice teachers alike, this exercise helps release tension, connect breath to tone, and gently open the throat for a freer, fuller sound.

This technique taps into a few key elements of healthy voice use:

Throat space: Yawning instinctively opens the pharynx, creating more resonance and reducing constriction.

Breath connection: The sigh allows your voice to ride on a natural, supported exhale.

Release of tension: It encourages the larynx to lower and the jaw to relax, both of which are essential for ease in singing or speaking.

How to Practice:

Imagine you’re exhausted and let out a big, open yawn (real or fake — your brain doesn’t know the difference).

Then maintain this "yawn space" as you let a gentle vocalized sigh on “Ahhhh…”

Start with these descending slides and then play with "rollercoaster-ing" up and down and around, focusing on keeping the air moving continuously.

Try using it before warm-ups, between phrases, or anytime your voice feels tight. It’s like hitting a reset button!

Happy practicing!

Written by: Nelle Anderson