F.M. Alexander (1869-1955) was an Australian Shakespear actor who developed severe laryngitis following his stage performances, leading to a hoarseness that restricted him from performing to his full capacity. When repeated trips to the doctor failed to diagnose or improve his situation, he concluded that the hoarseness must be caused by something he was doing while reciting. 

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Using mirrors, F.M. underwent a detailed process of self-observation  in order to identify the root of his problem. He noticed that every time he went to speak, he'd pull his head back and down, creating a chain reaction of compression and unnecessary tension that disturbed the coordination of his head, neck, back, and breath; and therefore his vocal production. This malcoordination, or "misuse" was the root cause of his laryngitis, and when F.M. directed himself away from this habitual pattern, his voice was restored. 

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F.M. continued to observe and develop his findings into what is now known as The Alexander Technique, a widely accepted method that reeducates neuro-muscular habits of tension and misuse and promotes improved coordination of postural support, movement, and breath.