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Meghan McCall

Voice & Nutrition Coach

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My Goal: Sing and Speak like a Swede

Let’s talk about the practice of Lagom. Lagom is a Swedish word that translates to “not too much, not too little, just right.” It is a concept that promotes balance, moderation, and simplicity. When it comes to singing or speaking, applying Lagom means finding the right balance in your voice, expression, and performance.

One way to apply Lagom to singing is to focus on your breath control. Singing requires proper breathing technique to support your voice and create a consistent tone. However, overdoing it can lead to strain and tension in your vocal cords. By finding the right balance in your breath control, you can achieve a smooth and effortless singing style.

Another way to apply Lagom to singing is to avoid overdoing your vocal expression. While it’s important to convey emotion and feeling in your singing, excessive vocal runs, vibrato, and other embellishments can distract from the overall performance. By finding the right balance in your expression, you can create a powerful and emotional performance without overwhelming the listener.

Finally, applying Lagom to singing means keeping things simple and straightforward. Don’t try to do too much with your voice or performance. Instead, focus on the essentials and let your natural talent shine through. By doing so, you can create a memorable and impactful performance that resonates with your audience.

My favorite resource on Lagom is a short and delightful read entitled “Lagom: Not too little, not too much: The Swedish art of living a balanced, happy life” by Niki Brantmark. 

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