The key to developing a voice that carries to the back of the hall lies in breathing - specifically, diaphragmatic breathing. This is breathing the way singers do it, and by the way, it's also exactly what you do when you're lying on your back in bed at night. As soon as you lie down, you automatically breathe with your diaphragm muscle. It's when you're standing that there's a temptation to breathe with the shoulder muscles.

How to check your breathing
Stand in front of a full length mirror and take in a deep breath. Basically, if your shoulders rise and your tummy is sucked in, you've got it wrong - carry on reading and do the exercise in the following section. (If you're fully employing your diaphragm muscle, then as you breathe in your shoulders will remain level and you tummy will appear to push out).

Locating the diaphragm muscle
The following exercise will help you locate and use your diaphragm muscle.

1. Loose fitting, non-restricting clothing is best for this exercise. Lie on your back on the floor. Depending on your own level of comfort, either a bare floor or a carpeted surface is acceptable. An exercise mat is ideal. You may wish to support your head (a telephone directory or a similar object approximately 3 inches/8cm high will do the job).

2. Once you are lying on your back, make certain that your spine is aligned in a straight line along the floor. Place your arms at your sides with palms facing upwards. Your feet should be shoulder-width apart, relaxed and slightly angled away from each other.

3. The objective of the exercise is to achieve voluntary control of the diaphragm muscle. When lying on your back you will naturally use your diaphragm to breathe, as indicated by your tummy appearing to lift upwards on each intake of breath. The action taking place inside your body is the contraction of the diaphragm muscle, resulting in it moving downwards (towards your feet). Place a hand on your tummy to feel how the muscle works as you breathe.

4. Once the motion of the diaphragm is understood, you can begin to achieve the conscious regulation of breath. Keeping your hand on your tummy and beginning with a count of three:

a. Breathe in as the count is made
b. Hold the breath for the same count
c. Breathe out as the count is made
d. Repeat 4a-4c a total of three times
e. Increment the count by two as you repeat steps 4a-4d, finishing the exercise on a count of ten

The exercise may seem difficult if you are not used to breathing in this fashion. However, as with most aspects of human performance, the more you practise the easier it will become.

Once you have mastered the exercise in a supine position, repeat it while standing. When executing the exercise in a standing position, make sure that you continue to use your diaphragm muscle. Resist the unconscious reflex of allowing the shoulders to dominate the breathing process while standing.

Breathe in this way on stage and you'll produce a much stronger and confident voice. This will be a boost to your own confidence and will help you - and your audience - enjoy your performance that much more.