Breathing and Voice Exercises for Voice-Over Artists

Voice-over artists need to take care of their voices. Just as athletes train and maintain their bodies, voice actors must develop a consistent practice of vocal exercises and breathing techniques to perform at their best and protect their instrument.

Diaphragmatic Breathing

The foundation of professional voice work is diaphragmatic breathing. Instead of breathing from your chest, breathe from your diaphragm — the muscle beneath your lungs. Place your hand on your stomach: it should rise as you breathe in and fall as you breathe out. Practice this regularly until it becomes your natural breathing pattern.

Lip Trills and Sirens

Lip trills — blowing air through closed lips to make a “brr” sound while varying your pitch — are one of the best vocal warm-up exercises. They warm up the lips, voice box, and breath support simultaneously. Sirens (gliding your voice smoothly up and down your full range) are equally effective for warming up and expanding your range.

Tongue Twisters

Tongue twisters are excellent for developing crisp articulation. Start slowly and increase speed gradually, prioritising clarity over pace. Classic examples like “red lorry, yellow lorry” or “she sells seashells” target different areas of your mouth and tongue.

Resonance Exercises

Humming is a simple and effective way to feel where resonance sits in your voice. Hum at different pitches and notice where the vibration moves — from your chest to your head. Voice actors benefit from developing both chest resonance (warmth and authority) and head resonance (brightness and clarity).

Daily Vocal Hygiene

Beyond exercises, good daily habits are essential for long-term vocal health. Drink at least 2 litres of water per day. Avoid shouting, whispering, and clearing your throat aggressively. Sleep well. Limit caffeine and alcohol, which dry out the vocal cords. If you have an important recording session, avoid dairy the day before, as it can cause mucus buildup.