Chapter Summary: Breathing is essential to life. It is our way of connecting to our body, mind, and soul. It is not something we think about while speaking. While singing, it is important that we be aware of our breathing, but that we not over-think it. For inspiration, the diaphragm tenses and flattens causing visceral displacement. The abdomen should be moving outward as we inhale. This does not mean forcing our stomachs out. Smith finds that having people focus on the movement of the abdomen helps them find the correct breath. When students are told to support their breath, they often tense up their abdomen and over adduct their vocal cords. Instead of a sensation of pressure and resistance, there should be a sense of flow. According to Smith, the air should be released completely, and there should be no holding or saving of air. Doing so "malnourishes" the vocal cords. The rate of exhalation is controlled by the vocal cords, and so we need not consciously try to limit our exhale.
Key Concepts: Breathing, like speech, is natural to us. We don't need to over-think it to do it properly. Inhalation should focus on visceral displacement, and feel as though a reservoir is filling in our abdomen. Exhalation should not feel tense or tight, but free. The body must stay in alignment throughout.
Making Connections: Since Cindy took up issue with Smith's description of phonation, I think I'll seek out second opinions before swallowing this chapter whole. I like a lot of concepts explored in here, and think that a lot of what he said about over adduction and not giving enough air to the cords apply directly to me. I can't wait to hear Cindy's take on this stuff, particularly Smith's comments on "pooching" and breath support.
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