Want a Stronger Acting Voice? These 7 Tips Could Change Everything

Neil Mulac
Apr 28
4 min read

Whether you're preparing for a stage play or stepping in front of the camera, your voice is one of your most powerful tools as an actor. A strong, expressive voice can convey emotion, command attention, and bring depth to your performance. Yet, many actors overlook voice training in favor of physical technique or line memorization.

If you've ever struggled to be heard during a scene or felt your voice tighten under pressure, you're not alone. The good news? You can develop a stronger, more resilient voice with practice and the right guidance.

Here are 7 essential voice tips that could transform the way you perform—on stage or on screen.

1. Master the Breath Before the Voice

Breath is the foundation of vocal power. Without proper breath support, your voice can sound thin, strained, or inconsistent. Begin with diaphragmatic breathing: inhale deeply through your nose, allowing your belly (not your chest) to expand, then exhale slowly through your mouth.

Exercise: Lie flat on your back and place a book on your stomach. Practice breathing so the book rises and falls gently. This trains your diaphragm and encourages a relaxed, full breath.

Why it matters: Screen actors often speak more softly, and breath control helps maintain vocal clarity without overexertion. On stage, it allows you to project without shouting.

2. Warm Up Before Every Performance or Rehearsal

Just like athletes warm up their muscles, actors need to prepare their vocal cords. A thorough warm-up reduces tension, prevents injury, and improves articulation.

Try this: Hum gently, stretch your tongue, and perform lip trills or "motorboat" sounds. Then, move into gentle pitch glides from low to high.

Pro tip: Combine physical movement with vocal warm-ups—roll your shoulders, release your neck, and open your chest to relax the whole body.

3. Improve Articulation With Diction Drills

Clear speech is essential, especially in film work where microphones pick up every nuance. On stage, crisp diction ensures your audience understands every word, even in the back row.

Practice: Use tongue twisters like "Red leather, yellow leather" or "Unique New York." Say them slowly at first, then increase speed while maintaining clarity.

Bonus: Record yourself and listen back. You'll hear where you drop consonants or rush words.

4. Build Vocal Resonance for a Richer Sound

Resonance adds warmth and depth to your voice. It's what makes your voice sound full rather than nasal or flat.

How to develop it: Focus on vibrating the sound in different parts of your body. Hum with your lips closed and notice vibrations in your chest, face, or head. Open your mouth slightly to feel how the sound changes.

On-camera benefit: A resonant voice reads as confident and grounded, two qualities that captivate audiences.

5. Practice Pitch and Tone Variety

Monotone delivery kills emotional connection. Learning to modulate your pitch and tone adds color and meaning to your performance.

Exercise: Take a simple sentence like "I didn’t say he stole the money" and stress a different word each time. You'll see how the meaning changes.

Film application: Even subtle shifts in tone in close-up shots can convey powerful internal emotions. Variety keeps the viewer engaged.

6. Protect Your Vocal Health

Your voice is an instrument—treat it with care. Avoid yelling or whispering excessively, both of which can strain your vocal cords. Stay hydrated and avoid caffeine or alcohol before performing, as they dry out the throat.

Rest: Give your voice downtime, especially after long rehearsals or performances. Consider steaming your voice using a personal steamer or breathing in warm mist from a hot shower.

Emergency fix: If you feel hoarse, use gentle vocal rest and avoid throat lozenges with menthol, which can irritate tissues.

7. Train With a Voice Coach or in a Class

Professional guidance can fast-track your vocal development. A trained coach can identify habits you might not even notice and tailor exercises to your unique voice.

Look for coaches who specialize in voice for stage, screen, or voiceover. Online options have expanded access to world-class instructors, making it easier than ever to train from home.

Consider joining a voice class that includes breath work, resonance, projection, and dialect training.

🎁 BONUS: Trusted Resources to Strengthen Your Acting Voice

Want to go deeper? Here are some excellent tools and sources to help you on your journey:

🎬 YouTube Resource:

An Actor's Vocal Warm-Up | National Theatre – A fantastic guided warm-up by a vocal coach from the National Theatre in London.

📚 Recommended Books:

Freeing the Natural Voice by Kristin Linklater – A classic text in actor voice training, focusing on releasing tension and finding your authentic sound.
The Right to Speak by Patsy Rodenburg – Excellent for understanding breath, resonance, and the connection between voice and presence.

🎧 Apps & Online Tools:

VocalEase App – Offers guided vocal warm-ups, exercises, and cool-downs for all levels.
The Voice Straw – A physical tool used by many vocal coaches to develop healthy, efficient vocal production.

A stronger acting voice doesn’t mean being the loudest—it means being clear, expressive, and in control of your vocal instrument. Whether you're auditioning for a Shakespearean tragedy or a modern indie film, your voice tells the story just as much as your face or body.

Start incorporating these tips into your daily practice, and over time, you’ll notice greater vocal confidence, stamina, and authenticity. Remember: your voice is not something you were just born with—it’s something you can build.

For more screen, stage, and voice-over acting tips and techniques, check out our other posts on The Intrepid Actor. And be sure to visit our website at Everything Cinema Productions to see how we can support your acting journey!