There is a close connection between voice and posture of your body. Poor posture impedes your vocal potential. It affects your: quality of voice, volume, pitch and resonance of the voice.
When there is reduction of excessive tension, and when your skeletal framework is allowed to find its natural alignment, breathing improves and voice functions without restrictions.
If the spine is out of alignment, breathing and voice are impaired. For example, if your ribcage is ‘slumped’ or pushed too far out, your voice will be impaired.
If your pharynx is tensed, due to poor neck alignment, the vocal tract will be compromised. This will have an effect on the tongue, jaw, and lips, and hence the vocal quality will be compromised.
In summary, good posture should allow for free muscular movement. The most common postural imbalances are: slumped position, or the over-corrected military position. The most effective position is when the head is balanced in a nice, relaxed manner, and the natural curves in the spine are maintained.
The same principles which apply to good standing posture, apply to good sitting posture. The sitting bones are used in the same way as the feet for balance for standing. Holding an easy, upright, but not stiff rib cage is important, both when seated or standing, to open up the thoracic area.
Balance should be maintained, when seated and standing. For that reason, do not cross your legs at thigh level when seated. Crossing at ankles ( if not too tight) is recommended.
Take a look at our video, explaining the postural habits that affect your vocal potential.
Throughout your day, check in with yourself on how you are holding your body, when you are not speaking.
What are your body habits? How does your head and neck feel when seated?