Speech and Drama Grade 6: Comprehensive Notes on Breathing and Voice Production
Overview of Breathing Anatomy and the Ribcage
The breathing process is a complex biological function involving numerous bones and muscles that are essential for effective speech production. The central skeletal structure for breathing is the spine, which is composed of a series of vertebrae. Specifically, there are pairs of thoracic vertebrae that curve around toward the front of the chest to form the ribcage. This structure provides the necessary housing for the lungs and heart while allowing for the expansion and contraction required during respiration.
The ribcage is further anchored by the sternum, or breastbone. The connection between the vertebrae and the sternum is categorized into three types: the first pairs of vertebrae join directly with the sternum; the next pairs of vertebrae join with the rib rather than the sternum itself; and the final pairs of vertebrae are known as "floating" ribs because they remain unattached to the front of the chest structure.
Primary Muscles in the Breathing Process
Three main sets of muscles facilitate the movement of the ribcage and the change in lung volume. The intercostal muscles are situated between the ribs and are responsible for moving the ribcage during inhalation and exhalation. The diaphragm is a large, dome-shaped muscle that serves as a divider between the chest and the abdomen. It is attached to the lower edge of the ribcage at the sternum in the front and the vertebrae in the back. Finally, the abdominal muscles form part of the abdominal cavity and are crucial for controlling the movement of the diaphragm during the production of sound.
Detailed Breathing Mechanics: Inhalation and Exhalation
The process of breathing in, or inhalation, begins when the intercostal muscles contract, causing the ribs to move upwards and outwards. In response to this movement, the diaphragm contracts and flattens out. This coordinated action creates more space within the chest, allowing the lungs to expand. As the lungs expand, the internal air pressure reduces. To equalize this pressure, air flows into the body through the nose and mouth. Simultaneously, the abdominal muscles relax and fill with air to accommodate the downward movement of the internal organs.
Breathe out, or exhalation, involves a convergence of muscles to support the controlled release of air. During this phase, the abdominal muscles contract, which causes the diaphragm to rise back to its dome shape. The intercostal muscles relax, allowing the ribcage to return to its original position. This compression of the lungs forces air out through the nose and mouth. For speech, it is vital to create the right amount of pressure from the abdominal muscles to provide the necessary force for whatever sound is being produced.
Practical Techniques for Breath Control and Relaxation
To improve speech production, speakers should practice relaxation techniques and breathing exercises. A common exercise involves placing the hands on the lower abdomen: the goal is to feel the muscle relax on the in-breath and contract on the out-breath. This is often referred to as taking the breath from the "centre," which allows the speaker to relax and release the voice more easily. Proper breath support is defined by finding the correct balance of pressure to match the intended vocal output.
Identifying and Correcting Clavicular Breathing
A common issue in speech is clavicular breathing, which should be avoided. This occurs when the body is under stress, causing the ribs to move upwards but not outwards during inhalation. This movement holds air primarily in the upper lungs, which is insufficient for sustained or powerful speech. To fix clavicular breathing, a speaker must focus on lengthening the spine to ensure that the shoulders, neck, and jaw remain free from tension, allowing the breath to drop deeper into the body.
The Biological and Intentional Process of Voice Production
Voice production is initiated by an impulse from the brain, which is stimulated by the speaker's intention to speak or sing. There are two fundamental elements required to produce a voice: the flow of air and vibration. The journey of sound begins as air is taken in through the mouth and nose and travels down the trachea into the lungs, drawn there by the contraction of the diaphragm. To generate sound, the diaphragm relaxes and the abdominal muscles return the breath up the trachea toward the larynx.
The larynx, commonly known as the voice box, is located in the upper portion of the trachea and primarily functions to protect the airway. When a person intends to speak, the larynx closes the two vocal cords found within it. As the outbreath passes through, it causes the vocal cords to vibrate, which generates sound. These vocal cords are relatively short, measuring between and in length. Their vibration is incredibly rapid, occurring at a rate of approximately to times per second.
Fundamentals of Resonatory Amplification
Resonance is defined as the amplification of sound achieved through vibration. Sound that has good resonance possesses a quality that is deep and reverberating. In the context of the human voice, vocal resonance refers to the amplification of sound waves as they pass through the hollow spaces of the body. The note generated by the vocal cords is amplified as it travels through three primary cavities: the pharynx, the mouth, and the nose.
Detailed Study of the Oral and Pharyngeal Resonators
The pharynx, or pharyngeal resonator, is a long muscular tube extending upward from the larynx and ending at the junction of the mouth and nasal cavity. The pharynx is dynamic; it can change its shape and size to affect the quality of the sound made. For instance, the size of the pharyngeal space increases during a yawn and decreases when the throat or neck is tense.
The mouth, or oral resonator, uses all its internal components to produce resonance. The lower jaw forms the floor of the oral resonator and is attached via facial bones. The tongue is also part of the floor of the oral resonator and is rooted at the front wall of the pharynx. The tongue's movements are categorized by its different sections: the tip, the blade, the front, the centre, and the back. The lips serve as the exit of the resonator, functioning to grip, direct, and shape the stream of breath. Finally, the hard palate is the arched bone structure that separates the mouth from the nasal cavity.
The Nasal Resonator and the Function of the Soft Palate
The soft palate constitutes the back third of the roof of the mouth and acts like a trapdoor to control airflow. When breathing in, the soft palate relaxes and droops down. However, when speaking, the soft palate usually contracts upwards to block the passage to the nose, directing airflow and sound through the mouth.
There are two types of nasal resonance. The first occurs when a vibrating column of air passes through the open soft palate into the nose, producing sounds such as "m", "n", and "ng". For these sounds to be produced clearly, the soft palate must be in good condition (e.g., not obstructed by a cold). The second type occurs when the vibrating column does not pass into the nasal cavity but instead pitches against the hard palate behind the upper teeth. This is necessary for producing vowel sounds and is known as forward resonance.
Balancing Resonance and Head/Chest Placements
Achieving high-quality resonance depends on a careful balance of vibration from the nose, pharynx, and mouth. Resonance is often described in terms of "placement." Head resonance refers to the vibrations felt when producing higher notes in the head. Conversely, chest resonance refers to the vibrations of lower notes felt in the chest when speaking or singing in a lower register.
Principles of Vocal Projection: Audibility and Intelligibility
Projection is the ability to communicate clearly to an audience and command their attention. It relies on two main pillars: audibility and intelligibility. Audibility requires a strong, secure breath supported by the abdominal, diaphragm, and intercostal muscles, combined with the forward placement of resonance. Intelligibility refers to the clarity of speech, which is achieved through the muscularity of the tongue tip and precise articulation. It also involves using appropriate emphasis and modulation to convey meaning. Beyond physical mechanics, mental projection is required to engage the audience and ensure the speaker's message is delivered with impact.
Articulation and the Formation of Speech Sounds
Articulation is the hallmark of a good, clear speaker who does not rush words or swallow word endings. Good diction involves giving full weight and sound to every word. Speech sounds are generally divided into two categories based on how they are articulated. A vowel sound is an unobstructed sound produced by the resonators. A consonant sound is an obstructed sound formed when two or more organs of articulation come into contact with each other. Examples of consonants formed by these contacts include the sounds for the letters "p", "f", and "b".