I went to a voice/monologue/movement session yesterday and the sole task I was given was to make sure I was breathing every time I spoke. My thoughts and impulses tend to forge right ahead of my breath and this compromises my ability to be grounded and embody the truth I am expressing as an actor. My experience yesterday highlighted how I’m more concerned with getting my opinion or ideas out than I am about breathing half the time. So for a few days, I’m going to work really hard to make breathing my number one priority. Interesting things have already come up like yesterday at dinner I found myself worrying that I would lose the person I was speaking to in the time I took to breathe!!  So give it a try, see what comes up and come back to share your experience. I’ve also included a link to a site with some great info about opening up the breath and voice.
http://carolwestcott.com/vocal-technique/