Biofeedback is pretty fascinating. I watch my brain waves for about an hour per week, and over time they become “smoother.”

Thanks for the link on the migraine clinic. Biofeedback as a concept always intrigues me. And I thank heavens that I only get them once or twice a year not daily like some of the clients profiled there.

Sound is critical. I had the privilege of working with a voice coach who got his inspiration for speech coaching from the Bel Canto school of singing. He basically divides voices into strength, beauty or wisdom and talks about the what to bring out in each (and how). Amazing stuff. Sounds like the lovely but un-hear-able voices fall into the beauty category, like my voice does – so the main thing is to work on dynamics and projection to make sure you don’t lull your audience to sleep.

Sound makes a difference. Some poets have such a lovely voice I can’t hear a word they say. Others so grating, the same. Some hit the middle note and to get my attention some just blink and wink and blush and have my full attention.

I often hunch down, elbows-on-knees during readings, blurring my eyes and honing my ears. Sometimes people think the poem is making me nauseated or sleepy, but quite the opposite – usually it means I’m *listening*.