EPISODE · Feb 20, 2026 · 27 MIN
#16 Why You Shouldn't Sing How You Speak: Dipthonging is Holding You Back
from Curious Vocalists · host Grace Hancock Music
Are you confused about whether to sing like you speak? Grace takes you through how singing in a speech-like quality can rob your voice of a certain ‘je ne said quoi’ and how to alter your vowels for that flowing, professional sound. The episode explains the concept of dipthonging and why it’s detrimental to your sound. It’s a practical, virtual lesson focusing on the importance of vowel alterations, tongue positioning, and airflow management in singing. The discussion includes practical exercises and examples from professional singers like Adele, illustrating how to navigate high notes and manage consonant sounds effectively. The session concludes with key takeaways for singers to enhance their vocal performance. Takeaways Singing requires breaking the habits of conversational speech. Diphthonging is when a singer sings through the smaller vowel sounds in each word Maintaining a consistent airflow is crucial for singing Tongue positioning affects sound quality and resonance Professional singers often alter their vowel sounds without you realising The largest part of the vowel should be juiced for maximum resonance Narrow vowels should open up when singing higher notes, wide vowels should round off. Consonant sounds should be softened to maintain airflow. Understanding vowel trees can reduce pressure and resistance especially in higher ranges Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diphthonging and Vowel Juicing 01:46 Understanding Diphthonging and Its Impact on Singing 06:17 Practical Examples of Adele's Vowel Alterations 09:52 Consonant Sounds and Maintaining Airflow Exercise 14:13 Vowel Trees Exercises to Relieve Pressure Up High 19:51 The General Rule for Making Your Vowels Work For You 21:10 Breath Support Exercise for Maintaining Open Throat 25:20 Conclusion Mentions/Resources: Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com Vowel Trees (part of Brett Manning’s Singing Success teachings): - ‘Oo’ as in ‘boot’ —> ‘Ouh’ as in ‘book’ —> ‘Uhh’ as in ‘buck’ ‘Ee’ as in “beat’ —> ‘Ih’ as in ‘bit’ —> ‘Eh’ as in ‘bet’ Narrow vowels should open a little and wide vowels should round slightly as you sing higher in your range to enable better airflow and resonance. Feel the pressure lessen on the top notes as you migrate these vowels from left to right. To use this in practise, pin point ‘problem words’ in any song you’re singing where the pitch is high and the vowels are narrow or splatty. You might find it feels squeeze or shaky. You can tweak the vowel more towards the left side of the diagram to release some of the pressure and stabilise the sound in your voice. About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician #vocaltechniques #dipthonging #singingesson #diphthonging #vowelshapes #vocaltone #singing #vocalexercises #airflow #highnotes #consonants #singingcoach
What this episode covers
Are you confused about whether to sing like you speak? Grace takes you through how singing in a speech-like quality can rob your voice of a certain ‘je ne said quoi’ and how to alter your vowels for that flowing, professional sound. The episode explains the concept of dipthonging and why it’s detrimental to your sound. It’s a practical, virtual lesson focusing on the importance of vowel alterations, tongue positioning, and airflow management in singing. The discussion includes practical exercises and examples from professional singers like Adele, illustrating how to navigate high notes and manage consonant sounds effectively. The session concludes with key takeaways for singers to enhance their vocal performance. Takeaways Singing requires breaking the habits of conversational speech. Diphthonging is when a singer sings through the smaller vowel sounds in each word Maintaining a consistent airflow is crucial for singing Tongue positioning affects sound quality and resonance Professional singers often alter their vowel sounds without you realising The largest part of the vowel should be juiced for maximum resonance Narrow vowels should open up when singing higher notes, wide vowels should round off. Consonant sounds should be softened to maintain airflow. Understanding vowel trees can reduce pressure and resistance especially in higher ranges Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Diphthonging and Vowel Juicing 01:46 Understanding Diphthonging and Its Impact on Singing 06:17 Practical Examples of Adele's Vowel Alterations 09:52 Consonant Sounds and Maintaining Airflow Exercise 14:13 Vowel Trees Exercises to Relieve Pressure Up High 19:51 The General Rule for Making Your Vowels Work For You 21:10 Breath Support Exercise for Maintaining Open Throat 25:20 Conclusion Mentions/Resources: Brett Manning’s Singing Success - https://singingsuccess.com Vowel Trees (part of Brett Manning’s Singing Success teachings): - ‘Oo’ as in ‘boot’ —> ‘Ouh’ as in ‘book’ —> ‘Uhh’ as in ‘buck’ ‘Ee’ as in “beat’ —> ‘Ih’ as in ‘bit’ —> ‘Eh’ as in ‘bet’ Narrow vowels should open a little and wide vowels should round slightly as you sing higher in your range to enable better airflow and resonance. Feel the pressure lessen on the top notes as you migrate these vowels from left to right. To use this in practise, pin point ‘problem words’ in any song you’re singing where the pitch is high and the vowels are narrow or splatty. You might find it feels squeeze or shaky. You can tweak the vowel more towards the left side of the diagram to release some of the pressure and stabilise the sound in your voice. About the Host Grace is a seasoned singer-pianist, vocal coach and composer. Over the past decade she has dedicated her life to music and creativity, performing aboard luxury cruise ships across the world and composing for theatre and short films. Her original compositions have been recognised by festivals such as the Paris Film Awards and Only the Best International Film Awards. She strives now to determine how to cultivate authentic expression in music and the importance of it for mental health and human connection. Contact Method [email protected] www.gracehancockmusic.com Instagram: @gracehancockmusic Facebook: @gracehancockmusician #vocaltechniques #dipthonging #singingesson #diphthonging #vowelshapes #vocaltone #singing #vocalexercises #airflow #highnotes #consonants #singingcoach
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#16 Why You Shouldn't Sing How You Speak: Dipthonging is Holding You Back
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