Perform: Lift Weights

We've talked about hands before, notably what to do with them as you perform.

One of the problems is that our arms and hands are perfectly willing to telegraph our emotional state. So, if you are feeling frenetic your hand movements may just display that.

The solution to the problem of gesture in performance is many layered. You must address the general alignment of the body and the intention behind the movement. Still, I wanted to offer another exercise that can help. Practice your speaking and/or singing, on your feet, while holding items of varying size and weight.

It can be one object such as a ball or a cup, or different objects like a pencil bag in one hand and a makeup bag in another. Nothing truly heavy but in the 1-5lb range. Practice in 1-3 minute sprints and cycle through objects. What you are learning is the sensory map of movement with purpose. You are giving your hands a job.

This is not a quick fix as results will not stick long term until your body logs the habit. It is a tool to add to your performance preparation as soon as you have your piece ready enough to be on its feet.

GROW Voice, is a Boston-based business.  Founder and CEO, Gina Razón has taught voice and speech for over sixteen years to individuals, organizations and in academic settings.   She is sought after as a teacher of voice and speech, singing, and public presentation.  Gina has a BM and MM in Voice Performance, she is a practitioner of Fitzmaurice Voicework and a certified teacher of Somatic Voicework. She has served as the voice coach for TEDxCambridge and speaks at National and local events on all things voice and speech.  Gina is a member of the National Association of Teachers of Singing, The Voice Foundation, the Voice and Speech Trainers Association and the National Speakers Association. More information at www.growvoice.com.