Ben Northrup THEA 104

Reading Assignment 1

1.

Rather than focusing on the truth that the voice originates in the larynx, what
should you re-focus attention on to develop an artistic and expressive voice?
In order to develop an artistic and personally expressive voice, Linklater states
that one must put attention on the source of breath and the resonators the breath flows
through.
2.

What controls the expression of the external stimuli and internal reactions?
The arousing of the reflex musculature of speech, whether that be something
exciting or something done on a day to day basis controls the expression of external
stimuli and internal reactions.
3.

The impulse stimulating the breath muscles also activates muscles in the larynx
to do what?
This impulse also activates, according to Linklater, the laryngeal musculature to
stretch the vocal folds so that they put up enough resistance to oscillate, and vibrate on
contact.
4.

Gentle breath and relaxed folds result in what kind of sound?

Linklater states that gentle breath pressure meeting relaxed vocal chords will
result in a low frequency sound with slower vibrations.
5.

Stronger impulse leads to strong air pressure and tightly stretched vocal folds,
which results in what kind of sound.
Strong air pressure and tightly stretched vocal folds will lead to a higher
frequency of vibration and in turn a higher pitched sound, according to Linklater.
6.

List the ten resonators Linklater Mentions:

The pharynx, mouth, nose, chest, cheekbones, jawbone, sinus
hollows, skull, cartilage of the larynx, and the vertebrae of the spine.
7.

How are consonants formed?

According to Linklater consonants are formed when two articulating surfaces
meet, or almost meet, interrupting or modifying the flow of breath or sound.
8.

How are vowels formed?

Ben Northrup THEA 104

Reading Assignment 1

Linklater states that vowels are formed as the lips and tongue move to mold the
flow of vibrations into alternate shapes.
9.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Six steps of the vocal process:

Impulse in the motor cortex of the brain
Impulse stimulates breath to enter and leave the body
The outgoing breath makes contact with the vocal folds creating oscillations.
The oscillations create frequencies (vibrations).
The frequencies ( vibrations) are amplified by resonators.
The resultant sound is articulated by the lips and tongue to form words.