Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Training
Provided by Ryan Scheri through Northern Illinois University
Gender-Affirming Voice and Communication Training
Ryan Scheri offers gender-affirming communication services for individuals seeking to adjust aspects of their voice and communication to better align with their gender identity or presentation. Services are offered through NIU's Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic.
Philosophy
I believe that everyone deserves a voice and communication style that feels true to them. My focus is on helping you find a voice that authentically represents you in all aspects of your life. I prioritize your personal connection to your voice, rather than the perception of others, as we work together to create an authentic vocal identity that aligns with your gender identity.
What to Expect in a Session:
Sessions are available either virtually or in-person at the NIU Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic. Your first appointment will be with a graduate student clinician and me. In this initial session, we will discuss your background, your experience with voice exploration, and your goals. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan to help you develop a voice and communication style that feels authentic to you. Training sessions are client-focused, with exercises and strategies designed to help you modify your communication style in a way that fits your gender identity.
Areas of Focus in Voice Training:
As you work with your clinician, you will explore different aspects of voice modification. Common areas we focus on include:
Pitch Modification: Pitch refers to how high or low your voice sounds. We'll work together to find a pitch that fits your needs, whether that’s a higher, lower, or androgynous pitch—or any combination that feels right for you.
Resonance: Resonance is the "color" of your voice, which depends on where the sound vibrates in your body.
Intonation: Intonation is the rise and fall of pitch as you speak. This includes adjusting how melodic your voice sounds and how emotion is expressed in your speech.
Pronunciation: The way you produce words, and the pacing of your speech can also be adjusted to help you meet your gender goals.
Breath Control: Proper breath support is essential for voice modification. We will train you in diaphragmatic breathing techniques to help you build a healthy voice.
Range: We will work on expanding your vocal range so that your speaking voice can reach both higher and lower pitches, giving you flexibility in how you express yourself.
Real-world Practice: Sessions include practice exercises for using your new voice in daily life. This includes conversational practice and real-life situations like ordering food, making phone calls, or adapting your voice for different environments.
Why Choose My Services at NIU:
At NIU, gender-affirming voice services are supervised by me, a licensed and certified speech-language pathologist with dedicated experience in gender-affirming care. The graduate student clinicians and I will work closely with you to help you meet your voice goals. After each session, we reflect on your progress to ensure we’re meeting your needs. Join me at NIU to explore your voice and work with a dedicated team to create a voice that truly feels like yours.
If you have any questions or would like any additional information about these services at NIU, please email gendervoice@niu.edu.
Can I start voice training if I am not transitioning yet, or if I’m unsure about what voice suits me?
Yes! We support you wherever you are in your gender exploration journey. Home practice is a key part of this process, and together, we will develop a plan that fits your needs.
What is the duration and frequency of each session?
Sessions are typically 50 minutes, once per week.
How many sessions do I need?
The number of sessions varies from person to person depending on individual goals and progress. There is no “pass/fail” for our sessions. Once you’ve met your voice goals, we celebrate your success!
Can I alter my voice on my own, or do I need professional assistance?
While online resources can be helpful, they can also be misleading, confusing, or potentially harmful. It can be difficult to train your voice alone since we use our voices socially. Our team will provide feedback and support to ensure you’re progressing in a healthy and authentic way.
Do I need to alter my voice to match my gender presentation?
No! No one should have to change their voice, and there’s no single 'right' way to sound based on gender presentation. There are as many voices as there are people. However, if you choose to modify your voice, we are here to support you on that journey.