We speak, we sing - it's all the same thing

We speak, we sing - it's really the same thing.
  We use our voice -it's an instrument.   We can make lots of lovely sounds - no real need for words. Just sounds. The centre of your being - your diaphragm breathing - is what generates your most attractive voice.  If you breathe from your upper chest - you'll have nowhere near the capacity of breath as from your diaphragm.  And  if you are very anxious, your shoulders might end up touching your ears!
When you are asleep you breathe naturally from your diaphragm.  Ever watch a cat sleeping? their breathing comes from the diaphragm.  Diaphragm breathing is the very first step to managing nervousness when you are speaking or singing in public.  Did you ever see a cat that was stressed?   You, too, can de-stress by using diaphragm breathing.
Did you see the movie "The King's Speech"?  Did you see the Queen sitting on the chest of the King?  To help him strengthen his diaphragm.
So, here's a tip - when you are driving in your car - you probably sing along a bit to your favourite music.  Try breathing in and pushing your diaphragm out at the same time.  Do that a few times for a very energising, but calm, state of mind.  Go further and say "Kah, Hah, Gah" nice and loud -it's great exercise for your voice!  Your unique voice. For more info on breathing from the diaphragm and why it's good for speaking and singing check out:  http://www.ask.com/questions-about/Diaphragmatic-Breathing

Daily Voice Exercises

Daily Voice Exercises for Speakers

These vocal exercises will not only help your voice but, but by working the facial muscles, will keep you young looking as well! 
Find a corner in your house – and say these exercises out loud – into the corner.  It acts as an “acoustic device” and you become used to hearing the sound of your own voice. 
Why is it important to get used to hearing your own voice?  Most often, the moment that speakers are most nervous is at the beginning of their presentations – when all they can hear is their own voice!
All of these drills must be said out loud. Repeat each one twice a day. I promise you, you’ll develop and maintain your good speaking voice.

The Tongue in Speech

§  Two little toddlers playing table tennis

§  Twenty two players taken out for a treat

§  Fifteen metre tracks are shorter than fifty metre tracks

§  Adults who play table tennis are extremely fit

Consonant sounds

§  Badminton racquets are lighter than cricket bats

§  Isn’t it time you tried the high jump

§  You need to attack if you want to win

§  Hitting tennis balls while sitting down is terribly difficult

Resonance
Hum the ‘m’ and ‘n’ sounds

§  Now is the time to introduce netball

§  Swimming is fun in the summer months

§  My martial arts instructor always smiles when he wins

§  Mini tennis is fun for small children

Lip agility

§  Betty plays competitive badminton

§  Weightlifters acquire many muscles

§  Boys love to play billiards

§  When I play polo I usually win

Vowel Sounds

Open the mouth wide for all the vowel sounds

i (eye)

§  My smile is wide as I cross the winning line

§  I cried when they scored a try

§  I’m too frightened to try and jump that high

§  I try to smile even while I am losing

o (oh)

§  Throw it slowly into the yellow box

§  Follow the arrows to avoid the snow

§  My coach is called Joe

§  Go and show Flo a Judo throw

a (ay)

§  I’m afraid you didn’t make the relay team

§  Croquet is played at eight

§  There isn’t enough space in this place for a race

§  Stay there Jay and pick up the weight

a (ah)

§  Martial Arts won’t harm my arm

§  Stay calm, don’t argue, I’ll spar with you

§  My car can go fast

§  I can’t lift the bar very far with my bad arm

Have fun with these - they're seriously good!