
The Humanist Celebrant Voice
Welcome to my blog where I will explore the art of using the celebrant voice in Humanist ceremonies. As a Humanist celebrant, I understand the importance of creating meaningful and memorable experiences for the people I work with. One of the key elements in achieving this is mastering the use of our voice. In this blog, I will delve into various aspects of voice control, including setting the tone, incorporating humour, warm-up techniques, adjusting volume, and effectively using microphones.
A couple of months ago a few of us Humanist Celebrants were having dinner together and someone asked what the one tool was we used most often in your ceremonies. I had to think about it for a while, but it soon became very clear to me that it the voice. Without the voice the ceremony is just a script. Our voice breathes life into it. To quote a very powerful voice owner, Maya Angelou, ‘Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.’
Setting the Tone of a Humanist Ceremony
I have often heard it said when I was teaching and now as a celebrant that people won't often remember what you said but will remember how you made them feel. How does that work? It’s the tone.
The tone of a Humanist ceremony sets the atmosphere and conjures and conveys the desired emotions. It creates the space for us to feel and be moved by the occasion. Whether it's a wedding, a funeral, or a naming ceremony, the tone needs to reflect the unique personality and wishes of the individuals involved. As a Humanist celebrant, I can use my voice to set the tone by adjusting my pitch, pace, and intonation. For example, a slower pace and softer tone may be appropriate for a solemn moment. In fact an absence of voice may provide the most poignant instant in a ceremony when people are left in their own thoughts. A more upbeat and energetic approach can create a joyful atmosphere for a wedding celebration or naming ceremony, where we celebrate all the hope and potential these ceremonies represent.
Humanist Celebrant Humour
Humour can play a significant role in Humanist ceremonies, helping to ease tension, create a sense of connection, and add a personal touch. When using humour, it's essential to strike a balance and ensure it aligns with the couple or family's preferences. As celebrants, we can use our voice to deliver humorous anecdotes, witty remarks, or light-hearted observations. However, it's crucial to be mindful of the occasion and the sensitivities of those present. One of my recent grooms was a little worried as his granny had been to a wedding a couple of weeks before his own (not one I officiated!) and was not impressed all the humour in the ceremony. There was way too much merriment altogether! On the other hand, one family were delighted with all the laughter at their family members funeral. It was such a joyful celebration of their loved one’s life and was so true to how the person had lived.
Warming Up The Celebrant Voice
Before I begin any ceremony, I always warm up voice to ensure clarity, projection, and endurance. With thirty minutes left on my journey to the venue the warm-up exercises begin. I use simple techniques such as humming, blowing raspberries, and gentle vocal stretches like singing scales. This can help relax the vocal cords and improve vocal resonance. I also go through a round of tongue twisters and articulation exercises, my favourite being ‘Piss off, everything is tickety boo!’ By incorporating these warm-up techniques into my pre-ceremony routine, I am confident that my voice won’t let me down.
Celebrant Sound: Can Everybody Hear Me?
Volume control is crucial in ensuring that our voice reaches all the guests regardless of the size of the venue. I am always conscious of projecting my voice clearly and audibly, without straining or shouting. By practicing proper breath control I can maintain a consistent volume throughout the ceremony, ensuring that everyone can hear and is included. Singing in a choir for years has really helped in this regard. If I think that people may have difficulty hearing at the back, I often ask the check with the person next to them if they can hear alright. (This has a secondary benefit of getting strangers talking to each other!)
Testing, Testing.: Miking the Celebrant Voice

In larger venues or outdoor settings, using a microphone might be the safest option. While it can be a little awkward it can be an invaluable tool for amplifying the voice and ensuring that every word is heard. Using a microphone takes practice.
It is important to maintain a comfortable distance and speak directly into the microphone, avoiding excessive movement or turning away. Familiarizing ourselves with the microphone's controls and adjusting the volume is important before the ceremony starts. Hotel staff or even an early guest will oblige with an impromptu sound check. Most guest readers in a ceremony will not have much experience with a mic so I make sure they hold it close to their mouths as the speak. I try to get a quick practice with them beforehand but it’s not often possible.
I have a radio, lapel mic that works with most PA systems I have encountered-the mic part clips on to my collar and the receiver plugs in to the amp or PA. It is wireless so it makes moving around easy. My biggest worry is that I’ll be halfway home before I realise I’ve left the receiver in the hotel sound system!
Conclusion: Celebrant Voice as a Transmitter
After one of my first weddings, the mother of the groom came up to me and told me I had a beautiful voice. I had never thought of my speaking voice in that way at all. Before my head swelled up, I remembered that beauty is in the eye (or in this case, ear) of the beholder. This woman was quite emotional and had been truly moved by her son’s wedding ceremony. My voice was one of the main transmitters of this emotion. Minding all that emotion is a big responsibility and so minding the voice makes sense.
Mastering the use of the celebrant voice in Humanist ceremonies is an art that requires practice, awareness, and adaptability. By setting the tone, incorporating humour, using warm-up techniques, adjusting volume, and effectively using microphones, we can create powerful and memorable experiences for the people we work with. As a celebrant, I seek to continue to refine my vocal skills and embrace the transformative power of my voice to deliver meaningful, powerful ceremonies.
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