Chapter 5: Undergo voice training

Managing and training voice-overs is a crucial skill in broadcast journalism, particularly in Kenya’s dynamic media landscape where clear, engaging, and professional audio delivery can determine the success of news stories. Voice-overs are the bridge between visuals and the audience’s understanding, requiring a blend of vocal technique, emotional expression, and technical precision. This chapter focuses on the resonance test, a foundational tool in assessing and enhancing voice quality, which helps broadcast journalists and producers select and develop voice-over talent that commands attention and conveys messages effectively.

5.1 Resonance test

A resonance test is a short, structured check of how a person's voice sounds when it is produced: how full, clear and steady it is. Voice resonance comes from the way sound made by the vocal folds is shaped and amplified in the throat, mouth and nasal passages, and many speakers also feel it as vibration in the chest and face. A trainer, producer or presenter uses the test before a voice is used for broadcast news to find its natural qualities, to decide what content it suits, and to plan training. For example, a new radio presenter may be tested before joining the bulletin team so that the trainer knows whether the voice sounds thin, nasal or strained and what to practise.

Purpose of the resonance test

• Assessing voice quality: The test shows how rich, full and clear the voice is, which affects how pleasant and authoritative it sounds on air.
• Identifying suitability: It helps to judge whether a voice suits hard news, features, documentaries or other formats.
• Guiding training: The results show what to work on, such as breath support, mouth shaping or relaxation.
• Keeping consistency: Repeated tests show whether the voice sounds the same from one broadcast to the next, which matters for a station's sound.
• Supporting listener comfort: A resonant, relaxed voice is easier to listen to for a long time than a thin or strained one.

Importance of the resonance test

• Credibility: A voice with good resonance sounds confident and professional, which supports the audience's trust.
• Clarity: A well-formed, resonant voice is easier to understand, which helps in fast bulletins where every word matters.
• Warmth: Resonance gives a voice warmth and depth, which helps in sensitive or human-interest stories.
• Technical quality: A full, steady voice sounds better through microphones and speakers and is easier for the sound operator to balance.
• Voice health: A test can reveal strain or poor habits early, so that they are corrected before they cause lasting damage.

Components of the resonance test

The test looks at several features that together make up the quality of the voice.

• Chest resonance: The fuller, deeper sound that many speakers feel as vibration in the chest, which adds warmth and weight.
• Head resonance: The brighter, higher quality felt in the head and the nasal area, which adds clarity and carrying power.
• Oral resonance: The shaping of sound in the mouth by the tongue, lips and jaw, which affects how distinct the speech is.
• Breath control: The steadiness of the airflow, which decides whether the voice is even or wavers.
• Pitch and tone: The natural pitch and tonal quality of the voice. The use of pitch and intonation for expression is dealt with in its own topic.

Procedure for conducting the resonance test

1. Preparation: The speaker relaxes the shoulders, neck and jaw and warms up the voice with gentle humming and slow breathing, so that the test shows the natural voice and not a stiff one.
2. Sustained vowel sounds: The speaker holds vowels such as "ah", "ee" and "oo" at a comfortable pitch while the trainer listens for fullness, steadiness and any tension or breathiness.
3. Humming sounds: The speaker holds "m", "n" and "ng" while placing a hand lightly on the chest, face and the bridge of the nose to feel where the vibration is strongest.
4. Reading aloud: The speaker reads a short news script at a natural pace, so that the trainer can judge oral resonance, breath control and tone in speech and not only in held sounds.
5. Recording and playback: The reading is recorded with a good microphone, and speaker and trainer listen to the playback together, because a voice often sounds different from how the speaker hears it.
6. Feedback and recommendations: The trainer records strengths and weaknesses and gives specific advice, such as posture changes, breathing work or relaxation of the jaw, and the test is repeated after a period of training.

Techniques to enhance voice resonance

Breathing, posture and warm-up exercises that support the voice are taught under voice projection.

• Relaxation: Releasing tension in the neck, shoulders and jaw prevents a tight, thin sound.
• Humming on resonant sounds: A gentle hum on "m", "n" and "ng" warms the voice and helps the speaker to feel the vibration in the face, chest and head.
• Open mouth and relaxed jaw: Dropping the jaw slightly and keeping the tongue relaxed lets the sound leave the mouth freely and makes the voice clearer.
• Even vowel shaping: Holding "ah", "oh" and "oo" with the same easy tone trains the mouth to shape the voice without squeezing it.
• Clear articulation: Crisp consonants and open vowels improve oral resonance and make speech easier to follow.

Challenges in applying the resonance test

• Limited equipment: A small station may not have a quiet space or good recording and playback equipment for accurate assessment.
• Time pressure: Tight bulletin schedules leave little time for testing and follow-up training.
• Differences between voices: Each voice is different, which makes one fixed standard unsuitable and requires a more individual judgement.
• Limited trainer expertise: A trainer who has not studied voice technique may not recognise or explain problems correctly.
• Resistance to feedback: Some speakers find it hard to hear criticism of their voice and may not apply the advice.

Overcoming the challenges

• Using portable equipment: A reasonable microphone and a recorder or laptop in a quiet room make testing possible even with a small budget.
• Scheduling regular sessions: Fixed times for short tests and practice fit training into the programme schedule without disturbing production.
• Personal training plans: Exercises and feedback are matched to each speaker's voice and needs.
• Developing trainers: Short courses and workshops in voice technique raise the quality of coaching.
• Supportive atmosphere: Feedback that is specific, kind and focused on improvement helps speakers to accept and use it.

Chapter Summary

This chapter focused on essential techniques for managing and training voice-overs in broadcast news. It began with the resonance test, which helps identify the natural vibrations in the voice to enhance clarity and richness. Next, the discussion shifted to pitch and intonation, emphasizing how varying these elements can convey different emotions and maintain listener engagement. The chapter then explored voice projection exercises designed to increase volume and presence without straining the vocal cords. Together, these components form a foundation for effective voice-over delivery that captures audience attention and ensures clear communication. Mastery of these skills is critical for producing professional and compelling broadcast content.