Using your Voice

Voice Production and Articulation

Your voice is key!

You

must be audible!

You

have to have enough volume, or

loudness, in order to be heard.

Actors

have vocal warm-up

techniques that they use all the
time. Their voices have to be strong
to sustain long rehearsals and
performances.

Voice Production

Diaphragm dome-shaped muscle that

separates the chest from the abs. It is
located at the base of the lungs.
When exercising your voice you will be
working to achieve controlled breathing
and resonance.
Variety in pitch, volume, rate, and
inflection is important.
Clear articulation and proper enunciation
round out the important elements of
voice production.

Vocal folds the primary generators of

sound. Also known as vocal cords
Pitch the highness or lowness of a
sound that you make.
Melody - refers to the variations in
pitch that help give expression to a
persons voice.
Range the spread between the
lowest and highest sounds you can
speak comfortably.

Resonance a rich, warm vocal tone

Rate the speed at which one speaks.
Inflection - the variety of vocal pitch.
Rising inflection shows questioning; falling
inflection signifies finality.
Articulation speaking so that clear
consonants and distinct vowels are heard.
***Most communication problems are
caused by poor articulation.
Project to increase vocal volume so that
you can be heard in the back of the
theatre

How is sound produced?

Resonators

throat,
nose, mouth, sinuses.
Articulators tongue,
jaw, teeth, cheeks, lips,
hard and soft palates.

Proper Breathing
Chest

stays still; waist expands and

contracts; lower ribs rise and fall
slightly.

How to protect the voice

Eat

well, sleep well, exercise! This

helps you avoid getting SICK!

No

smoking or alcohol. Both are

especially harmful to the voice.

Never

strain by shouting yourself

hoarse! When in doubt, dont shout!

YAWNING

really helps to relax your

throat and improve your tone!