Avoid gasping before speaking.
This tip can be difficult because it deals with examining the very intimate habits of breath and speech, but it’s a practical example for the previous tip on gasping.
People often take a short gasping breath before speaking. Try it and see. This gasp before speaking is usually unnecessary (for actors, it can get in the way of reacting) and contributes to the false sense of a need for another breath. Try saying a few words without a preparatory gasp, your regular breath will follow as it is needed.
More Breathing Tips and Resources:
Audio: Alexander Breathing Exercise
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When I sing in our choir I take deep breaths before singing. Is this the same as gasping?
Hi Mary,
This is and interesting question. I don’t know if it is a gasp, but your breath could be overly or forcefully managed. You use the word “take”. Do you feel that your singing breath is forced or that it is late? The alternative is to allow the breath to arrive. After all, it is coming. My idea is the forced breath results in more tension, less volume and less comfort. Your breathing system is listening to you and it knows what you need. With greater trust you might find that there is more breath and more support than you thought, without the feeling of need. Breath will arrive. Of course, you’ve got a song to sing so I don’t what to tell you that what you are doing is wrong. I’m not a singer or a singing teacher. But it may be possible for you to experience a less effortful, more powerful, and more enjoyable singing breath.