Vocal enunciation helps audience members understand the lyrics you are singing. One exercise to improve your enunciation is to sing variations of the Do-Re-Mi lyrics. For example, sing "Doe, Doo, Day, Dee, Dah, Duh" up and down several scales. Then, move on to the next set of variations: "Roe, Ray, Ree, Rah, Ruh," "Moe, May, Mee, Mah, Muh," "Foe, Fay, Fee, Fah, Fuh," and so on. You can also sing alliterated sentences up and down a scale, such as, "Sally saw Sylvester stacking silver saucers side by side." As you sing, carefully overemphasize each syllable to distinctly express each sound and help you sing lyrics more clearly.
Proper breathing will improve your vocals by giving your lungs and vocal chords more strength and stamina to sustain long notes or sing strongly even at the end of a performance. One exercise to improve your breathing is to lie flat on your back and put your hands on your waist with your fingers pointing in toward the middle of your stomach. Take a deep breath so your stomach rises and you can feel your abdomen expanding upward and outward with your hands. Breathe out slowly as you count to five in your head. Repeat this ten times, and try to do this exercise at least three or four times each day. It is like lifting weights; the more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes.
Physical fitness is important for vocalists. People in good shape will be able to sing better during long performances, especially if there is dance or movement involved in your performance. If possible, try to do 10 minutes of light exercise before you hit the stage to warm up your muscles and get your blood flowing. Stand relaxed with your arms at your sides. Raise your shoulders and slowly rotate them up, back, down and forward five times, and then rotate five times in the opposite direction. Shake out your arms, and then bend forward and let your arms drop to the floor. Then, slowly stand upright again, and as you do, stretch your arms above your head, out to the side and back to their normal resting position. Repeat this exercise five times.