How do you speak with your diaphragm?

Question:I've been asking how to project my voice when I'm acting on stage, because my director told me I need to be louder, and I thought that I was already being loud and it seems like if I go any louder I will sound bad. I've been hearing alot of speak with your diaphragm and your stomach, and I understand what they mean by that, by how the heck do you actually do it? Can someone clearly explain to me how you use your diaphragm when speaking instead of just saying to use it to breathe? Will this make me louder?

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker: I've been asking how to project my voice when I'm acting on stage, because my director told me I need to be louder, and I thought that I was already being loud and it seems like if I go any louder I will sound bad. I've been hearing alot of speak with your diaphragm and your stomach, and I understand what they mean by that, by how the heck do you actually do it? Can someone clearly explain to me how you use your diaphragm when speaking instead of just saying to use it to breathe? Will this make me louder?

Breathe from your diaphragm. Instead of your chest going up and down, push out your stomach when you breathe in, and make it go in when you exhale.
(I know you said this is not what you wanted, but keep reading!!!)
http://www.cchs.net/health/health-info/d...

Once you get really good at this, it comes naturally. It feels weird at first, but it's actually the correct way to breathe.

To SPEAK from your diaphragm, breathe deeply from your diaphragm, and speak loudly. Don't strain your voice, but picture trying to throw your voice all the way to the back of room.

My voice teacher gave me a hint, she repeated it a lot. As you are talking, picture an orange in the back of your throat, it will help you project. (The orange is not to choke you, it's to help you keep your throat wide open!)

It takes a lot of practice, but eventually it will become second nature!