How to Sing Better and with Emotion

I have decided to label all of my singing articles under the "how to sing better" label. Why? Because I truly want you to learn how to sing better! Singing is one of my passions, so why in the world would I keep that from you?

Today in my "How To Sing Better" series, I am taking a break from discussing vocal range to encourage you with ways to add more emotion into your singing. I hear the questions asked all the time: "How can I sing with more emotion?" or "How can I sing with more passion?" or "How can I sing with more urgency in my voice?" It all comes down to the same basic foundation - we have a desire to move people emotionally in the same manner that we have been emotionally moved. Make sense? Just think about it. We sing to show our appreciation for the way a certain melody or song interacts with us. We try our best to convey the same emotions that we feel inside through our vocal presence, but often times we fail at accurately portraying our emotions. We lack the communicative properties, and frankly we are not sure how to activate them. If you are in this boat, don't fret - I am right there with you! This is something that I struggle with as well as a singer, but hopefully these few singing tips will help you begin to unlock emotional presence in your singing. The first tip is technical; the last two tips are practical.

"How To Sing Better: How Can I Sing With Emotion?" Tip #1: Begin learning vocal compression!

This is a technical aspect of learning how to sing better by adding emotion. Vocal compression, as compiled from Dave Brooks and other vocalists, is the ability to use the arytenoids to create texture and distortion in the voice¹. The act of vocal compression involves using the arytenoids (pieces of cartilage on the sides of the vocal cords) to apply pressure to the vocal cords, creating a type of "cry" in the voice. The best way I can describe vocal compression in words is to outline an exercise. Say the word "buh". Notice how the sound resonates in the chest and has a deep compression. Now right before you say "buh", hold your breath and create pressure at your vocal cords (the pressure will feel like it is in the Adam's apple). Let the pressure build for two seconds and then release the "buh" sound slowly. Don't release all your breath at once - control it as you release the pressure. Did you notice the "cry" in the sound? If you did it correctly, you will notice a sense of urgency in the sound that you made - and there you have it, you have just added emotion to your sound. This technique is foreign to the average singer and takes time and practice to learn. However, the benefits of this vocal technique far outweigh the time and effort put into learning how to do it. With vocal compression, you have a kind of "switch" in your voice that allows you to turn on the emotion whenever it is necessary - aka, it builds wonderful control in your voice!

"How To Sing Better: How Can I Sing With Emotion?" Tip #2: Listen to some good R&B music!

R&B music is filled with emotion. It is the combination of vocal technique, runs, trills, licks and emotional presence that makes this style so interesting to study. While I personally do not listen to R&B on a regular basis, I find it very helpful to study it because it is so filled with emotion. I try to imitate some of the runs and licks that those singers use and add my own twist and flavor to them. You may find that a certain run with your voice conveys more emotion than another, or that a certain trill flows better with your style than another. Whatever may be the case, you will never know until you go find out for yourself! Brian McKnight is an excellent R&B vocalist to study in regards to singing with emotion - I would recommend starting with him.

"How To Sing Better: How Can I Sing With Emotion?" Tip #3: Prepare yourself mentally to sing with emotion!

This is the most practical singing tip that I can give you, and it is the one that is most often neglected. In order to convey emotion, you have to connect with the song you are singing in some way. If you cannot emotionally connect to a song, you cannot sing emotionally with the song - our actions will speak louder than our sung words. In my case, when I am leading the song "In Christ Alone" at my church, it is easy to sing with emotion and passion after being reminded of the beautiful sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and His marvelous grace and mercy towards me. When that objective truth digs deep into my soul, I mentally and emotionally connect with the song and relay the feelings of joy and gladness in my heart through singing. The same goes for any other song. When the reality of the song hits you, it causes emotions to stir and thus makes it easier to sing with emotion!

I hope these tips on "How To Sing Better" have benefited you in some way! If you have any questions about singing or want to continue to learn how to sing better, feel free to message me or view my other vocal articles today!

Stay tuned for more vocal tips on how to sing better!!

1. Taken from Dave Brooks and his video singing tip on vocal compression. Singing Success