Resonant voice therapy (RVT) is a popular and effective method used to improve vocal quality, reduce strain, and enhance overall vocal health. This therapy focuses on producing a voice that is both powerful and effortless by emphasizing forward resonance.
Through specific exercises, individuals can learn to direct their voice vibrations to the front of
their face. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about RVT,
including its impact, the most common exercises, and the most effective way to get started.
In this article we will discuss:
Understanding the Benefits of Resonant Voice Therapy
Before we dive into the most effective resonant voice therapy exercises, it’s important to understand the various advantages. Resonant voice therapy is a highly effective therapeutic
approach used to improve vocal quality and efficiency.
This method emphasizes the forward placement of voice, which means directing the voice
vibrations to the front of the face, particularly the lips and mouth. By doing so, RVT helps reduce vocal strain and increase vocal clarity.
Resonate voice therapy is particularly beneficial for individuals with voice disorders such as:
● Vocal Nodules and Polyps: These are benign growths on the vocal folds often caused by vocal misuse or overuse. RVT helps in reducing the strain on the vocal folds, promoting healing and preventing recurrence.
● Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD): This condition involves excessive muscle tension in the laryngeal area, leading to voice problems. RVT helps to alleviate this tension, resulting in a more relaxed and efficient voice production.
● Vocal Fold Paralysis or Paresis: This involves partial or complete loss of muscle function in one or both vocal folds. RVT helps optimize the use of the functioning vocal fold(s), improving voice quality and strength.
● Hyperfunctional Voice Disorders: These disorders are characterized by excessive tension and effort in voice production, often leading to a strained or harsh voice. RVT focuses on creating a more balanced and efficient voice use, reducing the strain on the vocal folds.
However, it’s also a common choice for singers and speakers seeking more range, power, and clarity in their voice. The main goal of RVT is to achieve a balanced and resonant voice that is both powerful and effortless.
This therapy not only aids in vocal health but also enhances speech intelligibility and overall
communication effectiveness. Through consistent practice of RVT exercises, individuals can
develop a strong, clear, and sustainable voice.
Get started on your journey to clear and effective communication
Exploring the Most Common Resonant Voice Therapy Exercises
Resonant voice therapy involves various exercises designed to enhance vocal resonance and
efficiency. After seeking a professional evaluation, your speech-language pathologist will recommend the most effective resonant voice therapy exercises for your situation.
These exercises focus on creating vibrations in the front of the face, promoting a forward-placed voice that is clear and free of strain. Practicing these exercises regularly can help individuals achieve optimal vocal quality and health.
Some of the most common resonant voice therapy exercises include:
● Humming exercise
● Lip trills
● Nasal consonant exercises
● Forward focused speaking
● Chanting
Humming Exercises
The humming exercise is a fundamental practice in RVT that helps establish forward resonance.
This technique involves producing a gentle hum and feeling the vibrations in the front of your face, particularly around the lips and nose.
How to Practice:
● Begin with a relaxed and upright posture.
● Take a deep breath and produce a gentle hum, feeling the vibrations in the front of your face, especially around the lips and nose.
● Glide the pitch up and down while maintaining the hum.
● Focus on keeping the hum relaxed and free of strain.
Humming helps establish a forward placement of voice and reduces vocal strain by promoting relaxation. It also improves vocal clarity and resonance, making speech more understandable.
Lip Trills
Lip trills are excellent for promoting breath support and resonance without adding strain to the vocal cords. This exercise involves blowing air through closed lips, creating a buzzing sound similar to a motorboat.
How to Practice:
● Take a deep breath and blow air through closed lips, creating a buzzing sound.
● Maintain a steady flow of air and keep the lips relaxed.
● Perform pitch glides while maintaining the lip trill.
This exercise promotes proper breath support and forward resonance, reducing vocal tension and strain. It encourages relaxed and efficient voice production, essential for vocal health.
Nasal Consonant Exercises
Using nasal consonants helps to naturally bring the voice forward, enhancing resonance. This
technique focuses on sounds that resonate in the nasal area, such as "m," "n," and "ng."
How to Practice:
● Start with sounds that resonate in the nasal area, such as "m," "n," and "ng."
● Produce these sounds in a relaxed manner, ensuring you feel the vibrations in the nasal
cavity.
● Practice short phrases or sentences incorporating these nasal consonants.
Practicing nasal consonants reinforces the forward placement of voice and enhances resonance and vocal clarity. It also helps in reducing vocal strain, making speech more comfortable and efficient.
Forward Focused Speaking
Practicing forward-focused speaking can help integrate resonant voice techniques into everyday speech. This method involves speaking phrases and sentences with an emphasis on forward resonance.
How to Practice:
● Practice speaking phrases and sentences with an emphasis on forward resonance.
● Ensure your voice feels like it is coming from the front of your face, particularly around
the lips.
● Keep the voice light and relaxed, avoiding any unnecessary tension in the throat.
This exercise integrates resonant voice techniques into daily communication, promoting vocal efficiency and clarity. It reduces vocal fatigue and strain, making speaking more effortless and sustainable.
Chanting
Chanting is a repetitive exercise that can help solidify forward voice placement an resonance. This practice involves using a simple, repetitive phrase or word to focus on voice placement.
How to Practice:
● Select a simple, repetitive phrase or word to chant.
● Use a relaxed, forward-placed voice while chanting.
● Focus on the vibrations in the front of your face and maintain a consistent, comfortable
pitch.
Chanting reinforces forward voice placement and enhances vocal resonance and clarity. It
promotes vocal relaxation and efficiency, which are crucial for maintaining a healthy voice.
Navigating the Resonant Voice Therapy Process
Embarking on the journey of resonant voice therapy involves a series of steps to ensure that
you receive the most effective treatment tailored to your needs. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the RVT process:
1. Initial Evaluation
The first step in the RVT process is an initial evaluation by a licensed speech-language
pathologist (SLP). During this evaluation, the SLP will assess your vocal quality, identify any
existing voice disorders, and determine the underlying causes of your vocal issues. This
thorough assessment helps in creating a personalized therapy plan.
2. Setting Goals
After the evaluation, your SLP will work with you to set specific, achievable goals for your voice therapy. These goals will be based on your unique needs and may include improving vocal clarity, reducing vocal strain, enhancing vocal projection, or addressing any specific voice disorders you may have.
3. Personalized Therapy Plan
Based on the initial evaluation and goals, your SLP will develop a personalized therapy plan.
This plan will include a series of exercises and techniques designed to promote forward
resonance and improve overall vocal quality. The plan will be tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the most effective treatment.
4. Regular Practice and Monitoring
Consistent practice of the prescribed exercises is crucial for the success of RVT. Your SLP will
provide you with detailed instructions and demonstrations of each exercise. Regular monitoring and follow-up sessions will be scheduled to track your progress, make necessary adjustments to the therapy plan, and address any concerns you may have.
Getting Starts with Resonant Voice Therapy Exercises
If you or someone you know is struggling with clear voice production, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. By taking advantage of early intervention, you can often maximize the efficiency of treatment and minimize the negative effects of poor voice production.
To get started on your journey to clear and effective communication, get in touch with our team at Better Speech. With our online speech therapy, you’ll gain access to the expertise of over 250 licensed speech-language pathologists, ready to help you achieve clearer speech. Get in touch with an expert at Better Speech to schedule a consultation today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some signs that I might need resonant voice therapy?
Signs that you might benefit from resonant voice therapy include frequent hoarseness, vocal fatigue, pain or discomfort while speaking, a breathy or strained voice, and difficulty projecting your voice. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's advisable to consult with a speech-language pathologist.
How long does it typically take to see improvement with RVT exercises?
Can resonant voice therapy be done at home?
Are there any risks or side effects with resonant voice therapy?
How does resonant voice therapy differ from other voice therapies?
About the Author
Aycen Zambuto
I’m a seasoned educator in speech therapy with over six years of experience helping people navigate challenges in communication. Throughout this time, I’ve found joy in guiding individuals through a variety of therapeutic journeys, from toddlers with apraxia to seniors with dysphonia.
I’m passionate about demystifying this complex world of speech therapy and helping readers around the globe achieve clear and effective communication. When I’m not writing about speech, you’ll often find me reading, traveling or spending time with friends and family.
