How to Get a Deeper Voice: 5 Proven Exercises
A client recently said to me: “People with deeper voices seem to speak with more authority, more influence, more confidence.”
They’re not wrong.
Why a Deeper Voice Matters
According to research covered by Tina Dietz in Forbes, CEOs with lower-pitched voices led larger companies, had longer tenures, and earned, on average, over $180,000 more per year.
That doesn’t mean a deep voice alone will get you promoted, win contracts, or make people hang on your every word.
I’ve coached voices for over 12 years, and I can tell you: a deep voice without clarity, expressiveness, and physical presence isn’t enough. But assuming those other elements are in place, let’s explore what makes a voice sound deeper—and how to develop one.
What Affects Vocal Depth?
Your vocal folds (often called vocal cords) behave like the strings on a guitar: longer, looser, and thicker strings produce a lower pitch. The same is true in your body. While your vocal fold structure is partly genetic, many everyday factors can affect their function and pitch:
Hydration
Your vocal folds need lubrication to vibrate efficiently. The NHS recommends six to eight glasses of water a day. Avoid excess caffeine, alcohol, and medications that dehydrate.
Environment
Dry air, dust, air conditioning, and aerosol sprays can dry or irritate your throat. Improving your air quality (even with small changes) can improve vocal tone.
Acid Reflux
Stomach acid reaching the throat can inflame the vocal folds. Avoid lying down for at least two hours after eating, and manage stress and diet.
Posture
Poor posture affects breathing and vocal function. Check how you sit, stand, and move daily. Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais can improve alignment.
Physical Tension
Tension in the jaw, tongue, neck or shoulders interferes with vocal fold movement. Releasing these areas can help your voice drop naturally. Vocal physiotherapists can also help.
Vocal Fatigue
Frequent speaking, especially in noisy environments, can strain the voice. Take vocal naps (brief silence), rest your voice, and avoid whispering. Steam and sleep also help.
Illness and Medication
Illnesses that cause coughing, mucus, or dehydration affect vocal quality. Menthol-based lozenges and some medications can also be dehydrating.
Overuse of Glottal Closure
Weightlifting, sports, habitual throat clearing, or glottal stops (e.g., in place of "t" sounds) can tighten the vocal folds. Consider exhaling gently on an /f/ sound when lifting or consciously pronouncing your "t" sounds.
Breathing Patterns
Tension in your abdomen or poor breath support reduces vocal ease. Freeing your breath helps create consistent airflow for relaxed phonation.
Mental Health
Stress, anxiety, or emotional strain can tighten the body, including the voice. Addressing emotional wellbeing contributes to vocal freedom.
Are You Speaking at Your Natural Pitch?
Social pressures and habits can pull us away from our natural vocal pitch. This can lead to tension and affect resonance. People may speak higher to sound polite or lower to sound authoritative. Others adjust their voice unconsciously in professional or social contexts.
To develop a deeper voice, you must first uncover your natural, resting pitch—not impose something artificial.
5 Voice Coach-Approved Exercises to Deepen Your Voice
You could practise these daily for 15–20 minutes. Read the disclaimer before starting.
Step 1: Release Unwanted Tension
Jaw: Massage the masseter muscle (just in front of your ears) using the bony edge of your wrist. Move in circles: up, forward, down, and back. Let your mouth hang open.
Tongue: Rest the tongue tip behind the bottom front teeth. Smile, drop the jaw, and stretch the tongue out gently. Avoid scraping or jutting.
Neck & Throat: Roll the head side-to-side with a sigh. Try gentle yawning stretches in different head positions (forward, to the side, looking up). Let the throat open naturally.
Step 2: Stretch the Vocal Folds
Make an /NG/ sound (as in "song") and imitate a whining puppy. Breathe deeply and let your pitch glide upward gently. Do this for 1 minute.
Step 3: Loosen the Vocal Folds
Slide down from high to low on an /NG/, then transition to an /AH/. Let your voice drop into a gentle creak or vocal fry. Don’t push; relax and let it happen naturally. Try this for 1–2 minutes.
Step 4: Maintain Airflow with Straw Phonation
Use a regular drinking straw:
Inhale deeply into the belly.
Blow through the straw while phonating in a low register.
Let the pitch gently fall.
Don’t push or tighten; let it feel effortless.
Repeat for 1–2 minutes. You may place the straw in water to add resistance.
Repeat Steps 2–4 three times in a row.
Step 5: Cultivate Chest Resonance
Hum gently on an /M/ sound in your lowest comfortable range.
Place your hands on your chest and feel for vibrations.
Experiment with humming and gently tapping your chest.
Try looking up while sighing a deep /HAAAH/ sound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can anyone develop a deeper voice?
Yes, most people can deepen their voice by reducing tension and improving vocal habits.
Is vocal fry bad for your voice?
Not when done gently as part of a warm-up. It’s a safe way to explore vocal fold relaxation.
Will these exercises change my voice permanently?
They can help you access a more natural, relaxed voice. With time, your default voice may shift deeper.
How long does it take to see results?
Many clients notice small changes in a few weeks, with more lasting shifts over months of consistent practice.
Final Thoughts
There is no shortcut to a deeper voice. But by addressing what affects your vocal folds and practising these five exercises, you can begin to access a voice that is richer, freer, and more resonant.
Still Need Help?
Want expert guidance? Book a one-to-one voice consultation with Ashley and discover what’s possible for your voice.
Ashley Howard is a UK-based voice coach with 18+ years of experience helping professionals and individuals develop clear, authentic, and confident communication.
Disclaimer
This blog post is for general guidance only. Consult a medical professional before beginning any physical or vocal exercises, especially if you have known conditions that could affect your safety. You participate at your own risk and release the author from liability for injury.