Singing techniques are often about adding layers of control, but sometimes the most powerful technique is to strip things back. That’s what speech level singing is all about: singing that feels as natural and effortless as speaking. Instead of straining, pushing, or “switching into singing mode,” you use the same vocal function you already use when you talk — and extend it into melody.

This article is part of our Singing Techniques & Vocal Exercises guide, where you’ll find other essential skills like resonance, vibrato, and mic technique.


What is speech level singing?

Speech level singing is a principle that comes from the idea of using your speaking voice as the basis for singing. While there’s an official “Speech Level Singing” method developed by Seth Riggs, the underlying concept goes back much further. Even classical teachers have long taught singers to “sing as they speak,” keeping the throat free of unnecessary tension.

It doesn’t mean your singing voice will sound exactly like your speaking voice. But at the level of the vocal cords, the actions are the same: natural closure, natural air flow, and a free larynx. When you build singing out of that, you get a healthy, sustainable sound.

Why singers strain - and how speech level singing fixes it

Many singers, especially beginners, go into “singing mode” as soon as music starts. They add effort, push air, tighten the throat, and try to force a “special sound.” The result: short bursts of power followed by fatigue, or a voice that feels blocked and limited.

With speech level singing, the approach is different:

  • You copy-paste the way you say words like “woo” or “ah.”
  • You put those words on pitch and rhythm.
  • You let the melody happen naturally, without adding tension.

Because speaking is something most people can do with ease, this technique re-centers your singing in comfort and efficiency.

Read more in my related article about How to sing without straining?

How to try speech level singing yourself

  1. Start with a speaking sound. Say “woo” or “ah” as if you’re just talking. Notice the ease in your throat.
  2. Put it on rhythm. Speak your song lyrics in time with the music, staying in that effortless speaking voice.
  3. Let melody happen. Move from speaking the lyrics to lightly singing them, without changing the feeling of your voice.

Example: Try saying the line “I’m going under and this time I feel there’s no one to save me” in rhythm. Then, without changing your effort, allow the notes to emerge. That’s speech level singing in action.

Why speech level singing matters

  • Authenticity: it helps you sound like yourself, not a copy of another singer.
  • Health: less tension, more stamina.
  • Accessibility: if you can speak, you can start singing this way.
  • Versatility: used in opera, pop, and especially musical theatre (where characters literally “burst into song” from spoken text).

What's next?

Speech level singing is one of many techniques that free your voice. To keep building healthy habits, explore our Singing Techniques & Vocal Exercises pillar. There you’ll find guides on freeing tension, hitting high notes, and developing vibrato — all skills that complement the speech level approach.

Speech level singing in higher notes

When you take speech level singing higher, two paths open:

  • Head voice: a lighter, softer extension of your speaking tone, great for gentle high notes.
  • Belt voice: a louder, speech-based shout extended onto pitch, creating power without strain (if done correctly).

Both can be explored through the same principle — keep the action of speaking and let pitch happen automatically. The key is to stay relaxed, avoid forcing, and build range gradually.

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"The best singing doesn’t come from adding more effort; it comes from letting go. When you sing the way you speak, your voice finds its natural balance: free, easy, and expressive. Start from comfort, and let melody grow from there."
 

About the author

I’m Linor Oren, founder of SingWell. I have an opera background and in the past I've performed on stage. I've taught hundreds of students how to find their authentic voice. What I’ve learned is that singing isn’t about being “born with it” — it’s about unlocking what’s already inside you with the right tools and guidance. My passion is helping singers at every level grow in confidence, technique, and joy, so they can sing with freedom and expression.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does speech level singing mean my voice will sound like speaking?

Not exactly. While speech level singing uses the same vocal function as speaking: natural cord closure, free airflow, and a relaxed throat — your singing voice won’t sound identical to your speaking voice. The goal is not to mimic speech, but to keep the ease and coordination of speech while singing.

Why do I strain when I sing, and how does speech level singing help?

Strain often comes from switching into “singing mode”: pushing too much air, tightening the throat, or trying to produce a special sound. Speech level singing removes that pressure by starting from your natural speaking voice and extending it to melody, helping you avoid unnecessary tension and sing with more stamina and control.

Can I use speech level singing for high notes?

Yes. As you go higher, you can apply the same speech-level principle in two ways: using head voice for a lighter tone, or belt voice for more powerful notes. Both are extensions of speech-based vocal function, the key is to stay relaxed and not force the sound.

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