How do you speak with your diaphragm?

Do the most effective public speakers speak from their diaphragm? If so, how does one learn to speak from one's diaphragm?

• Answer:

  There is actually no such thing as speaking from the diaphragm.  What we actually mean by the phrase is that the diaphragm is contracted, increasing lung capacity, enabling us to sustain a longer breath. When the diaphragm is contracted, it creates a vaccuum in the thorax, enabling the lungs to fill with air. If the diaphragm is underdeveloped, breath will tend to be shallow and more frequent.   It is in part learning to deliberately engage the diaphragm and in part developing the muscle(s) of the diaphragm. You also need to develop the intercostal muscles, the muscles between the ribs, which separate the ribs, enabling the lungs to expand.  Relaxing and opening the throat instead of tensing it to create volume enables more air to pass through. By increasing the use of the diaphragm,   The aim is to intuitively use all muscles, but if you are early in development, you can focus on a particular muscle, in this case, the diaphragm.   Here are some exercises that you can do just about anywhere: while holding your shoulders and rib cage still, breath as deeply as possible, forcing your diaphragm out. If it helps, place your hand just below your ribs and feel the muscle expand. Hold it for about 10 seconds and release through your nostrils.  Do it again, but after you breathe as deep as you think you can, go further and again. Hold it for about 10 seconds and release. before speaking, still sitting in your chair, become aware of your breathing. Notice your diaphragm. Make it work and get ready. sitting comfortably, breathe normally. On an inhale, hold it and tighten all the muscles of your abdomen. Become aware of each area. Perhaps roll a little on your sitting bones if it helps you gain awareness.  Hold for about 10 seconds and release.