Develop Your NPR Voice With This Video
Not all NPR reporters have flawless, smooth radio voices, but they all sound natural and confident on the air. In this video, vocal coach Jessica Hansen gives you three NPR-approved exercises to help you speak into the microphone and still be more like yourself.
By the way, all of these exercises will make you feel ridiculous, so throw your dignity out the window (or just lock yourself in a soundproof cabinet). At first, you will choke like a dog and blow out imaginary birthday candles; it will help you breathe deeply and powerfully and your voice will sound strong. You will then practice the lip trill in an exercise that will keep you from sliding into vocals when you don’t want to. Then things get really fun when you learn to put personalities – multiple personalities – into a boring scenario.
Find more tips for sharpening your voice and telling great stories at NPR Training .