Paper Presentation: Effects of Jaw Tension on the Speaking and Performing Voice

Jaw tension significantly affects the speaking and singing/performing voice by restricting the movement of interconnected muscles in the face, tongue, pharynx, larynx, and respiratory components. Possible sequelae include:

·Pain and discomfort. Jaw tension can cause pain in the jaw, face, neck, and even headaches and earaches which can make any form of vocal production uncomfortable.

·Articulation and clarity issues resulting in imprecise articulation and difficulty with correct vowel formation.

·Reduced resonance and tone quality due to narrowing of the resonating chambers causing the voice to lose its brilliance, sound muffles, and less vibrant.

·Limited vocal range and pitch control making it difficult to navigate the higher notes due to restricted movement of the vocal structures.

·Vocal strain and fatigue from having a tight jaw which forces other muscles to compensate.

·Breathing issues from the jaw tension causing poor posture and shallow breathing disrupting proper breath support which is the key factor for a healthy voice.

As a Speech and Language Pathologist who specializes in voice therapy (working with professional voice uses including singers), I have created a “bag of tricks” that has been very helpful in managing jaw tension. Professional voice users/singers need strategies and techniques on how to release jaw tension with changes in posture, changing of habits, and manually rather than solely changing the behavior while singing or talking.

As part of my talk, I would share my “bag of tricks” to help eliminate jaw tension and educate the professional voice user as to what is “normal” and what is considered flawed. The techniques and strategies that will be taught include:

·Posture changes

·Habit changes of those behaviors that may be contributing to jaw tension

·Tactile reminders and cues for jaw relaxation

·Changes in vocal warm-ups including slight modification of straw phonation (semi-occluded vocal tract exercise)

·Relaxation breathing that can help with jaw tension

·Massages and stretches

In conclusion, better management of jaw tension through the above techniques/strategies can greatly improve vocal hygiene, vocal quality, vocal comfort, and overall vocal performance.