Wow! What a hot topic. I can't disagree with what has been said so far, but I think there's something more. Aside from being a solo singer/songwriter, I also am a board-certified music therapist, so I'm not just speaking off the cuff -- I really have an interest in this, and it sounds like it's important to you. I suggest that you invest in a few sessions with a good voice teacher (one with an excellent word-of-mouth reputation), or a qualified music therapist who specializes in working with adults. Just like working with a music teacher or psychotherapist, it's a lot easier to change our habits when we work with a professional. If you can't find a good coach or can't afford one, then I have two additional suggestions. First, listen carefully to every CD you own. Find the singers that have the emotion and the "looseness" in their voice that move you personally...these are the artists you want to learn from. Listen to everything they do, every phrase, every nuance of meaning. Try to copy exactly what they do, then once you "get it", try to use the same approach in one of your songs and see what happens. See the artists' live shows if possible, and watch and listen intently. Soak up the information, replicate, emulate, and eventually the techniques will find their way into your own style. Secondly, similar to the "acting" suggestion, I recommend you pay attention to how you and other people say things when they're expressing something emotional. People whisper, yell, accent certain words, trail off, and they often MOVE their bodies. Do you move your body when you sing? I don't mean acting, I mean the real way people move when they have something to say. Think about this -- on a day-to-day basis, how good are you at feeling and communicating your true emotions? Oh yeah, and relax and have fun. [Linked Image]