The Voice Exercise Book: A Guide to Healthy and Effective Voice Use

Fall in love with your voice — understand how it works, strengthen it, and discover the joy of sounding like you.

A practical, inspiring guide to healthy and effective voice use from the Head of Voice at the National Theatre.

About the Ebook

The Voice Exercise Book is a clear, engaging and practical guide to understanding and improving your voice. Written by Jeannette Nelson, Head of Voice at the National Theatre, it shares the exercises she uses with many of Britain’s leading actors to help keep their voices healthy, expressive and strong.

Nelson’s belief is simple: everyone — not just actors — can learn to use their voice well. Whether you perform professionally or simply want to communicate more clearly and confidently, this book will help you understand how your voice works and how to care for it.

The aim is not to imitate others or “fake it”, but to discover your authentic voice — to be honestly and clearly yourself in any situation.

Inside, you’ll learn how to:

• Warm up your voice safely and effectively
• Develop breath support and vocal clarity
• Strengthen your vocal range and flexibility
• Improve articulation and resonance
• Use your voice confidently in performance and everyday life

The book is accompanied by an optional audio CD, The Voice Exercise Book: The Warm-Ups, offering guided practice sessions.

Critical Praise

"Jeannette's warm-up sessions are tremendous and this book extends those exercises."
— Zoë Wanamaker CBE

"Jeannette's knowledge is astonishing, and her approach so gentle and effective."
— Derren Brown

"She makes voice production endlessly fascinating and fun. There is no one better."
— Rory Kinnear

"A must for anyone who is serious about producing a strong, clean noise from their voice box."
— Sir Lenny Henry

"Clear and engaging… packed full of wise, do‑able guidance and sensible exercises."
— Drama Magazine

"Very clear… if you don't already have a book of voice exercises, I would recommend this one."
— Teaching Drama

"An attractive, unfussy book with very clear instructions… friendly but authoritative."
— Ink Pellet

"An excellent manual… indispensable to acting students and voice teachers alike."
— Word Matters

Why You'll Love This Ebook

• A complete voice-care toolkit from one of the UK’s leading voice coaches.
• Simple, effective exercises suitable for actors, teachers, speakers and everyday use.
• Clear explanations that make vocal technique accessible and enjoyable.
• Perfect for performers seeking vocal strength, clarity and authenticity.
• A Nick Hern Books essential for anyone who uses their voice professionally.

About the Author

Jeannette Nelson is Head of Voice at the National Theatre and one of the UK’s most respected voice coaches. She has worked with leading actors across stage and screen, helping them develop healthy, expressive and resilient voices. Her warm, practical approach has made her a trusted guide for performers at every level.

Publication Details

Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Publication Date: 8 March 2017

Print Length: 192 pages

ISBN (Ebook): 9781780018560

Format: Ebook

Language: English

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