1. Why is Voice & Communication Training important?
Best Speech Therapy’s motto is Healthy Voice First. Many times people who try to change their voice without support of a voice specialist may inadvertently damage their vocal folds. Tight, strained, or imbalanced muscles can make you sound hoarse, lose your voice, or even result in voice cracking.
According to a study by Hancock & Garabedia (2013), in 25 cases of voice and communication transgender clients, 28% presented with a voice disorder that was separate from gender presentation concerns due to undue strain or tension placed on the vocal mechanism. The guidance of a voice professional is of utmost importance for the safety of your voice.
2. Isn’t my pitch the only thing I need to modify in order to achieve my authentic voice?
Pitch is certainly an important factor involved in voice modification. But it’s not the only factor people rely on for matching voice to gender. Voice is multi-dimensional regardless of gender. That’s why surgery isn’t the first recommendation given when discussing concerns with your ENT physician/surgeon.
In fact, pitch surgery can be dangerous due to a potential deterioration in voice quality and discomfort in swallowing, and a potential loss of long-term pitch stability.
Even with successful pitch surgery, the other characteristics associated with voice and gender perception have to be addressed in voice and communication training to successfully modify your voice and avoid being misgendered.
Voice and Communication Training uses evidenced based and researched supported techniques to safely modify your voice to match your authentic self. It is considered to be the number 1 tool for voice exploration and modification. Pitch surgery is considered a last resort option.
3. So what other factors need to be addressed to avoid being misgendered?
● Gender Acceptable Pitch
● Intonation
● Stress
● Loudness
● Resonance
● Articulation
● Vocal Quality
● Social Communication
4. How do I get started? A voice evaluation is required to initiate voice and communication training. Schedule an appointment online at your convenience: www.bestspeechtherapy.com or send an email to info@bestspeechtherapy.com or call 214-997-1106
Marcia Campagna, MS,CCC-SLP, our head SLP, and Rosa Lemus, CFY-SLP offer individual and group trainings in English and Spanish. Trainings can be scheduled online or in person at our centrally located office in Dallas. 15150 Preston Road, Ste 300 Dallas, Texas 75248
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