Articles

Breathing for Speech

When we speak in public, we are not just “talking loudly.” Effective voice

production and projection depend on how we breathe, how we control

that breath, and how we use the structures of the body to turn air into

sound. Examiners are particularly interested in students understanding

and using the term intercostal diaphragmatic breathing, which is the

most efficient and healthy method of breathing for speech.

1. What is Intercostal Diaphragmatic Breathing?

Intercostal diaphragmatic breathing is a method of breathing that uses both:

• the diaphragm (a large muscle beneath the lungs), and
• the intercostal muscles (muscles between the ribs)

This type of breathing allows for:

• deeper, more controlled breaths
• steadier airflow
• stronger and more supported speech

Unlike shallow chest breathing (which is inefficient and tiring), this technique engages the full breathing system.

2. The Key Structures Involved

The Diaphragm

The diaphragm is a dome-shaped involuntary muscle located beneath the lungs.

• Involuntary means it works automatically—you don’t have to think about it to breathe.
• When you inhale, the diaphragm contracts and flattens, creating space for the lungs to expand.
• When you exhale, it relaxes and rises, helping push air out.

For speech, we learn to control this natural process so that air is released steadily rather than all at once.

The Intercostal Muscles

These muscles sit between the ribs.

• They help the rib cage expand and contract.
• When used properly, they support the diaphragm in creating a controlled, sustained airflow.

 

The Larynx and Vocal Cords

The larynx (often called the voice box) sits at the top of the windpipe. Inside it are the vocal cords (also called vocal folds).

• As air passes through the larynx, the vocal cords vibrate, producing sound.
• The strength and steadiness of the airflow directly affect the quality of the sound.

3. Voice Production: How Sound is Made

Voice production involves three main stages:

1. Breath Supply

Air is taken into the lungs using intercostal diaphragmatic breathing.

2. Phonation (Sound Creation)

Air is released and passes through the larynx, causing the vocal cords to vibrate.

 

3. Resonance and Articulation

The sound is shaped by the throat, mouth, and nasal cavities, and then formed into speech using the tongue, lips, and teeth.

4. Why Breathing Matters for Speech

Without proper breathing:

• the voice sounds weak or strained
• sentences run out of energy before they are finished
• projection becomes difficult

With good breathing:

• the voice is supported
• speech becomes clearer and more confident
• the speaker can sustain longer phrases without gasping

 

5. What is Projection?

Projection is the ability to send your voice clearly to the back of a room without shouting.

Good projection depends on:

• steady breath support
• efficient use of the vocal cords
• clear articulation

A key idea:

Projection is not about force—it is about control of airflow and energy.

6. Techniques for Effective Breathing and Projection

A. Posture

Good posture allows the breathing system to work freely.

• Stand or sit upright
• Keep shoulders relaxed
• Avoid collapsing the chest

B. Controlled Inhalation

• Breathe in silently through the nose or mouth
• Feel the ribs expand sideways
• Avoid lifting the shoulders

C. Controlled Exhalation

• Release air slowly and steadily
• Imagine the breath “supporting” the voice
• Avoid letting all the air escape at once

D. Breath Support in Speaking

• Plan where to breathe in a sentence
• Take a full, efficient breath before speaking
• Use the breath to carry the voice to the end of the phrase

E. Avoiding Common Mistakes

•  Shallow chest breathing
• Raising shoulders when inhaling
•  Forcing the voice instead of supporting it
•  Running out of breath mid-sentence

7. Simple Exercises for Students

Exercise 1: Hand on Rib Cage

• Place hands on the sides of your ribs
• Breathe in and feel the ribs expand
• Breathe out slowly on a “sss” sound

 

Exercise 2: Controlled Hissing

• Take a full breath
• Release it slowly on a long “sss”
• Aim for an even, steady sound

Exercise 3: Counting on One Breath

• Take a deep breath
• Count aloud steadily: “1, 2, 3…”
• Try to increase the number each time

Exercise 4: Speaking a Sentence

• Choose a short sentence
• Take a full breath
• Speak it clearly to an imaginary audience at the back of the room

 

8. Bringing It All Together

Good voice production and projection depend on intercostal diaphragmatic breathing.

The diaphragm, which is an involuntary muscle beneath the lungs, works with the intercostal muscles to control the flow of air. 

This controlled airflow passes through the larynx, causing the vocal cords to vibrate and produce sound. With proper breath support, the voice can be projected clearly without strain.