Hey there, I'm Renee, your friendly neighbourhood gender-affirming voice teacher. Recently, during one of my live sessions, a student shared a common struggle that many in the trans voice community face – feeling confident about their feminized voice in practice but stumbling when it comes to using it in the real world. Today, I want to share some thoughts on this challenge and offer practical tips on bridging the gap between practice and performance.

Izzy, a student, opened up about her experience: "I have professional voice training for voice feminization, and I got to a point where it sort of sounds okay, but in real life, I just get nervous and stop." It's a sentiment I've encountered countless times, and there's much more to unpack here.

First off, let's acknowledge that this struggle is entirely normal. The transition from practice to performance is a hurdle many face, not just in voice training but in various skills. As musicians say, "an hour in performance is worth ten hours in the practice room." The live setting offers a unique learning experience, because in the practice room, the stakes are less high.

However, simply telling someone to "just do it" isn't always helpful advice. So, how can we bridge the gap between a flawless practice session and confidently using your feminized voice in the real world?

One strategy is to embrace the concept of "microdosing" performance. Start with small, manageable interactions that gradually build your confidence. For instance, make short phone calls instead of relying on apps like Uber Eats. Call a restaurant to ask a simple question, like whether they are on Uber Eats or inquire about their opening hours. Businesses are accustomed to receiving various calls, so don't hesitate to make these low-stakes interactions.

Another opportunity to practice is at the grocery store. Engage in brief conversations with cashiers using your feminized voice. The same goes for interactions on public transport, like thanking the bus driver. These small, real-life scenarios allow you to practice your voice in a controlled environment, helping you gain confidence step by step.

It's essential to recognize that progress takes time, and it's okay to start with short, simple interactions. The key is consistency. Gradually increase the complexity of your interactions as you become more comfortable. The grocery store and the bus are just starting points; you can expand to more challenging scenarios as you feel ready.

(If you want some some suggestions for ways to practice that mimic these types of real-world interactions, check out my free e-book: Practice Games for Endurance in Trans Voice Work)

Izzy, and anyone else facing this common challenge, remember that you're not alone. Just knowing that others share the same struggle can provide a sense of relief and encouragement. As Izzy rightly pointed out, "Just hearing this is a common problem helps a lot, to be honest."

If you have burning questions or concerns about your trans voice journey, feel free to send me a message. I'm here to help and provide guidance. Alternatively, catch me during my next TikTok Live on Monday afternoons. Together, we can navigate the challenges and celebrate the victories of finding and expressing your authentic voice. Keep practicing, keep pushing, and remember, every small step is a significant leap towards success.