Your Straw Size
Size DOES matter - First thing is finding which straw is the right fit for you. Yes, everyone is different, and you may need different sizes based on your own vocal demands on a daily basis. This is one of the reasons why The Voice Straw is unique and is the perfect solution for you. Our kit comes with different sizes.
What does the straw do?
- Trains the posturing of the vocal folds
- What does the straw do to change the posture of the Vocal Tube- It lengthens the Epi Laryngeal Space.
This is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some voice users will require a larger straw, others a smaller size. We provided both options because we understand how the straw works. When the diameter of the straw relates to the open/close phase of the vocal folds, you get the most efficient outcome for your voice.
The smaller the diameter the more resistance (Phonation Threshold Pressure) which pushes back onto the vocal folds. The longer the straw the more resistance you get.
The straw is a training and rehabilitation tool. It is all about pressure and resistance in the throat. There are plenty of straws out there but the Voice Straw offers a few unique features that truly leverage the science it is founded on.
Over time, you may find a smaller size works better as you become more efficient.
As you do your exercises, you will eventually integrate vowel and consonant position. The key is that now your vocal cords and throat are in optimal position for the most efficient sound production. When everything is positioned right, you are not only getting the most power and efficiency but you are able to utilize acoustic, or sound, energy more effectively. So your vocal folds will end up having less work to do!
If you feel any of the following, then you need to go to a bigger diameter
- Squeezing
- Can’t hit the high notes
- Head pressure (sort of like brain freeze)
- After a heavy voice demand
- Squeezing in the throat
If you feel any of the following, then you will need to go to a smaller diameter.
- If it is too easy
- Lots of breath escaping
- You cannot feel the openness in the throat
Reasons you may be interchanging straw size on the regular
- You had a heavy voice demand/session and the voice is tired
- For women if you are menstruating and your vocal folds are puffy
- Medication
- Not sleeping
- Allergies
- Post surgery
- Injured
When we take away the straw what we are trying to emulate is the feeling of resonance. Resonance is the positive and negative measure you get above the vocal folds. When you use the straw, you should notice a change in sound. Some people feel a buzz or different vibration throughout their throat, face, lips, cheeks. What you are feeling is a sympathetic vibration that is happening because of what is going on down on the vocal fold level. It is a bi product. So, by using a straw it is another way to train resonance.