Diaphragmatic Breathing

Diaphragmatic Breathing or “belly breathing” is our most efficient and calming breath. How we coordinate and regulate airflow is critical for speech. Our airflow powers our voice for conversation.  When we use diaphragmatic breathing, we are able to speak louder, giving our voice a more powerful sound.

The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle of breathing. It’s a large dome shaped muscle located at the base of the lungs inside the rib cage. When you inhale, your diaphragm contracts and moves down. When you exhale, your diaphragm returns back to its dome shaped position.

Put one hand on your chest and one hand on your stomach. Take 3 deep slow breaths. 

Did you feel your top handing moving as you were breathing? This is known as chest or clavicular breathing. This can lead to muscle tension and give your voice a less powerful sound when speaking. This occurs because you are only filling the upper portion of your lungs with air.

During diaphragmatic breathing, the diaphragm pushes down on the inner organs causing the belly to expand. When breathing, the goal is for your hand on your chest to stay nice and steady. Your lower hand should rise and fall with your inhales and exhales. 

Let’s Practice! 

As you inhale, let the air flow down, expanding the belly. 

As you exhale, your belly is going to let go of all the air. 

Inhale 1-2-3-4 (breathe in through your nose)

Exhale 1-2-3-4-5-6 (through the mouth) 

Try repeating this sequence 3 times. 

You can envision a balloon that fills as you’re breathing in. As you exhale out, all the air from the balloon is released.