One of the most frequently-requested services that we offer is gender-affirming voice training. We’ve been doing this work for over four decades, but back when Karen Sussman started as a voice therapist, this type of training wasn’t as well-known. The terminology was completely different and coursework for speech-language pathologists in this field was difficult to find. 

Now, gender-affirming voice training, especially voice feminization, is widely available. (Note: Although we also offer voice masculinization, trans-masculine individuals don’t seek out our services as often as trans-feminine individuals, since testosterone lowers the pitch of the trans man’s voice, but for trans women, estrogen doesn’t raise the pitch of the voice. Still, many trans-masculine people want to develop more masculine-aligned resonance, rate, rhythm, and intonation, so they may seek out professional voice training). 

Karen Sussman recently presented on the topic of gender-affirming voice training at the New Jersey Speech and Hearing Association’s annual conference in Atlantic City.  Karen’s goal is to make sure that more of her colleagues can do this important work, to help trans individuals achieve voice and speech patterns that more closely and authentically align with their gender identity. One of our clients, Becca G., was gracious enough to travel to Atlantic City to present with Karen, sharing her lived experience of how voice training helped her to express herself more confidently using voice and speech feminization skills. 

Gender-affirming voice training is now more of a necessity for this oft-marginalized community. The ACLU is currently tracking (as of 7/16/2024) 527 anti-LGBTQ+ bills across the US. This community faces discrimination, harassment, bullying, and violence.  Having a voice that aligns with their gender identity can literally be life-saving. Even in the absence of harassment, our trans clients face social anxiety, isolation, depression, and voice-based gender dysphoria if their voice skills are not congruent with their gender expression. 

There are many people who believe that raising the pitch of the speaking voice is all that’s needed to achieve a feminine sounding voice. Sure, having a pitch above 155 Hz. (that is, Eb3, the first Eb below middle C) is important to the concept of having a feminine-perceived voice. But there are many other aspects of speech and voice production that can be incorporated to feminize someone’s voice, that may even be more important than pitch!  After all, some trans women’s voice ranges may be too low overall to comfortably achieve a speaking voice above 155 Hz. Can they still achieve a feminine-sounding voice? Absolutely! For these individuals, we focus more on feminine-aligned resonance, rhythm/flow, intonation, choice of vocabulary, even gesture and facial expression. 

Speaking of resonance, here is a quick, very helpful video we made on feminizing the voice using resonance, specifically by placing the voice in the mask, the part of the face that comprised the nose, the lips, and the area in between.

This video teaches you how to find “The Buzz”, that pleasant tickling, vibrating sensation between your upper lip and your nose that indicated optimal voice production with minimal effort, by using humming to place your voice. Incidentally, this isn’t just for voice feminization. Anyone who wants to develop a resonant, clear, healthy voice that projects effortlessly needs to place their voice in the mask. (See our full length video about mask placement here , as well as our blog on using the expression “um-hmm” to “find” your lost voice.

Here is a quick summary of the technique in the videos: say “um-hmm” as if you are agreeing with someone. Prolong the “mmm” and feel the buzz, tickle, tingle, or vibration in the mask area pictured here:

Memorize the way that tickle/buzz feels, as that’s where you want to keep your voice at all times for optimal vocal function. Try prolonging that buzz into “m” words and sentences. The ultimate goal is to be able to keep your voice in the mask no matter what you’re saying. You can use “um-hmm” before the sentence to help you find and keep your “buzzy voice”. For instance, “Um-hmmm…it’s very nice to see you” while you retain the “sensory memory” of the buzz as you go into the sentence, much like an athlete develops a “muscle memory” for the perfect serve or swing. By the way, humming sirens up and down is an effective way to warm up your voice in the morning.

Here’s the coolest bonus tip: since people hum to indicate that they’re listening to the speaker, and use the expressions “um-hmm” or “hmmm?” to agree with or question someone, you can effectively place your voice (and reset it if it falls down into your throat) all day long, by sprinkling these expressions into your everyday speaking. 

Try out the techniques in these videos, and see if you can develop that forward resonance that signals you’ve achieved the Choice Voice you’ve always wanted!