Train your voice like a pro

Vietnam-based San Tran Ngoc knows a thing or two about powerful vocal delivery. When he's not dubbing blockbusters like The Lion King, Frozen, and Star Wars, or voice coaching for brands like adidas, and Apple, he's firing up classes as a Les Mills Instructor.

In this interview, San shares the same techniques he uses so we can keep one of our most important teaching assets in shape – our voice.

What Les Mills programs do you teach, and what’s been your teaching highlight?

San: I teach BODYPUMP™, LES MILLS CORE™, BODYSTEP™, and BODYATTACK™ at CITIGYM in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

My biggest highlight was SAIGON CALLING, one of the largest Les Mills events ever held in Vietnam, bringing together over 600 participants.

I had the incredible honour of teaching BODYPUMP on stage alongside the one and only Reagan Kang. The energy, the lights, the community, the emotion – it was like a rollercoaster ride!

How has your voice coaching career enhanced your Les Mills classes?

San: It’s one of my biggest assets as a Les Mills Instructor.

At CITIGYM, I don’t just bring energy and movement – I bring an understanding of how to use my voice effectively in high-energy environments. In class, your voice isn’t just sound – it’s the heartbeat of the experience.

I use breath control, clear articulation, tone shaping, and projection to ensure participants hear me clearly and stay motivated.

Remember, it's not about speaking louder, it's about speaking smarter and maintaining a voice that supports you, not one that wears you out!

Just like warming up muscles, I warm up my voice before class and cool it down afterwards. This protects my vocal health and ensures I can teach consistently with strength and clarity.

But technique is only part of it. Voice coaching taught me how to “smile with my voice” – to connect emotionally. I use that in every class to help participants feel seen, supported, and capable of more.

Can we really train our voice?

San: Absolutely! Our voice is a tool, and just like any tool, we can sharpen it. With practice and technique, as Les Mills Instructors, we can improve how we deliver vocally, especially during floor exercises when participants rely on verbal cues.

Breath control, projection, articulation – all of it helps us coach with confidence and connect more deeply with our participants. A strong voice helps them feel supported and empowered to push through.

But like any muscle, your voice needs care. Overuse can lead to strain or injury, just like in physical training.

At the end of the day, my vocal delivery is meant to complement the music and make sure that the members feel motivated, energized, and empowered in every moment of their workout.

What are your top ten tips for Les Mills Instructors to keep their voice strong for teaching?

1. Prioritize silence when needed
   Rest your voice between classes, just like you would rest muscles after a workout.
   
   
2. Warm up your voice
   Use vocal warm-ups like light humming, gentle scales, and breath control exercises to prepare your voice before teaching or recording.
   
   
3. Use steam for hydration
   Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water or use a humidifier to soothe and hydrate your vocal cords, especially in dry environments. Take care around the hot water to avoid injuring yourself.
   
   
4. Liquify
   A mild saltwater solution can gently sanitize and soothe your throat. Warm water with lemon and honey is also beneficial. Keep your vocal cords lubricated by drinking water consistently throughout the day, particularly between tracks.
   
   
5. Keep your neck warm
   Wear a scarf or warm clothing around your neck to reduce stiffness and prevent vocal strain, especially in colder environments.
   
   
6. Stay relaxed
   Practice mindfulness, light stretching, or meditation to reduce overall tension that could affect your vocal performance.
   
   
7. Respect your limits
   Don’t push your voice too hard. Listen to your body and ease off when strain begins. Use visual cues or gestures in class if necessary.
   
   
8. Be intentional with your voice
   Avoid shouting. Use your voice powerfully but sparingly to motivate. Think of yourself as a guide, not a drill sergeant!
   
   
9. Maintain neutral posture
   Keep your neck and spine aligned while teaching. This protects your vocal cords and improves airflow for clearer, more powerful speech.
   
   
10. Space out your cues
    Give participants time to absorb instructions. Don’t feel the need to speak constantly – pausing helps both your voice and your class’s understanding.

Your voice sets the tone, motivates, and connects with every single person in the room. It’s about owning your voice.

How do you find the perfect balance between music and mic volume?

San: For me, it’s all about harmony. The music should energize, not overpower. I adjust the volume and my delivery based on how the room feels – if people can’t hear me clearly or if the music feels flat, the magic’s gone.

I follow a principle from Les Mills Initial Training: team teach with the music. I match my voice to its energy – building as the beat builds, softening when it drops – like a conversation. At the peak, I aim to lift the room, not fight the track.

Sometimes, a microphone might not work in a studio, and an Instructor might need to teach without one. Do you have any tips to deal with this?

San: As someone who works with voice professionally, sound is everything to me. I always arrive early to check not just my playlist, but the mic and sound system – tech prep is non-negotiable. I also carry a compact backup kit with my own transmitter, receiver, and mic. It’s not about being flashy – it’s about protecting my most valuable asset: my voice.

If I have to teach without a mic, I adapt. I lower the music just enough to avoid shouting, strip back my cues to only what matters, and use strong visual coaching.

Sometimes teaching without a mic reminds us of the fundamentals: clarity, purpose, and presence. It’s a challenge, but also a chance to sharpen our craft!

San’s Class Prep Essentials

Before class

Before teaching, I hum the sound “OM” with my mouth closed. I take a full breath in, then hum at a soft, comfortable volume until the breath runs out. I repeat this a few times, starting at my neutral note, gradually moving lower and if time allows, back up again. It’s a gentle way to warm up the voice and activate breath control.

After class

At night, I lie on my back and practice slow breathing: in through the nose, out through the mouth – making the exhale longer than the inhale. I add a “shhhh” sound on the out-breath, keeping the lips slightly open and tongue lightly touching the roof of my mouth. This improves breath control and supports vocal endurance.

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