WHAT IS THE VOCAL ATTACK?

The 'Glottis' is an opening situated at the upper part of the windpipe

and between the vocal chords. It affects the modulation of the voice by
contracting or dilating. During the swallowing action, it is covered by an
erect cartilage at the root of the tongue known as the 'Epiglottis'.
'Glottal Stop' is the sound produced by the sudden explosive release of
breath from behind the closed glottis and the term 'Glottal Attack'
describes the percussive pulse from vocal cords as in a slight grunt.
Three types of glottal attack are commonly recognised: breathy, normal
and hard.
'Hard Glottal Attack' describes the action of the vocal folds slamming
together quickly and forcefully before sound begins, causing an
increase in muscular tension in the laryngeal area. It is considered a
form of vocal abuse which can occur during excessive throat clearing,
coughing or at the beginning of vowel sounds and frequent use can
cause damage to the vocal folds (also referred to as vocal chords)
including lesions and nodules.