Projection

Vocal projection is a valuable and basic technique often overlooked by actors more accustomed to performing for the screen than the stage. Failure to project isn't a problem limited to novice actors. Even players with substantial experience can have trouble being heard in strange theaters as they adjust to the acoustics of particular stages and the requirements of different performances. The advent of inexpensive clipped-on microphones and large amphitheaters that expect actors to use them have perhaps made many voice techniques unnecessary, but the development of greater vocal skill is necessary in any case. Auditions are typically performed un-amplified, and judges will certainly notice a weak voice. Projection wins Oscars, as evidenced by Daniel Day-Lewis' recent Best Actor nod for "There Will be Blood." He probably wouldn't have won a stick of gum without his ear drum rattling intonation of the line "I drink your milkshake! I drink it up!"

The chief challenge in effective projection is to maintain tone while increasing volume. Amplification can come from the throat - in which case it sounds bad and causes hoarseness among other afflictions - or it can come from the diaphragm. Projection training isn't exactly the same as voice training - it relies more on breathing exercises than mastering vocal chord control.

One useful exercise is to try to repeat a single word many times at different volumes while maintaining the same tonality. This is simply increasing the resonance of your voice. It's good practice. If you find yourself running out of breath too easily when you're maximizing your sound, that should tell you that you need to work on both your aerobic health and your breathing.