Lesson 5.2 Voice Production

Introduction to Voice Production

• Importance of understanding voice mechanics

• Combination of biology, physics, and personal expression in voice production

Respiratory System and Its Role

• The voice production process begins with the respiratory system.

• Inhalation: Lungs fill with air.

• Exhalation: Air is pushed up through the trachea (windpipe), allowing it to travel in and out of the lungs.

Larynx Overview

• Larynx: Also known as the voice box, located atop the trachea.

• Wall of the larynx is composed of nine pieces of cartilage:

  • Three cartilages occurring singly:

  • Thyroid cartilage

  • Epiglottic cartilage

  • Cricoid cartilage

  • Three pairs of cartilages:

  • Arytenoid cartilages (most important): Responsible for influencing changes in position and tension of the vocal folds.

  • Corniculate cartilage

  • Cuneiform cartilage

• Each pair of the arytenoid cartilages is located on each side of the larynx.

Vocal Folds Structure

• The larynx houses two pairs of folds formed by mucus membranes:

  • Vestibular folds (false vocal cords): Protect the vocal folds and help keep the larynx hydrated, assist in closure during swallowing, coughing, and heavy lifting to protect the airway.

  • Vocal folds (true vocal cords): Primary structures for voice production where air passes through.

Mechanics of Voice Production

• Vibration of Vocal Folds:

  • Vocal folds vibrate as air passes through them, creating sound waves.

  • Movement controlled by intrinsic muscles of the larynx, which adjust tension on surrounding cartilages (specifically arytenoid cartilages).

  • Muscle contractions or relaxations change length and stiffness of the vocal folds.

  • Influences:

  • Pitch: Controlled by tension and length of vocal folds. More tension leads to a higher pitch due to faster vibrations; less tension leads to a lower pitch due to slower vibrations.

  • Volume: Variations in air pressure can also affect volume along with pitch.

• Thickness: Men generally have thicker and longer vocal folds because of the male sex hormone Androgen, resulting in deeper voices; women often have thinner, shorter folds, leading to higher pitches.

Resonating Structures

• Structures such as the pharynx, mouth, and nasal cavity act as resonating chambers.

• Resonance shapes voice tone. Example: Voice sounds different during a cold due to blocked nasal passages affecting sound resonance.

Articulation

• Important for producing distinct sounds while speaking.

• Involves muscles in the tongue, face, and lips.

• Example exercise: Try saying "banana" while holding the tongue still to realize the importance of articulation.

Whispering Mechanics

• In whispering, vocal folds remain partially open to allow air to pass through without vibrating, resulting in:

  • No pitch (since vocal folds do not vibrate).

  • Turbulent airflow generating a characteristic hissy quality.

  • Requires more breath support, which can lead to muscle tension and vocal fatigue with excessive use.

  • Caution: Excessive whispering can lead to vocal strain.

Care for the Voice

• Importance of voice care:

  • Stay hydrated.

  • Avoid excessive throat clearing.

  • Rest voice when needed.

• Common Voice Condition: Laryngitis:

  • Definition: Inflammation of the larynx.

  • Causes: Overuse, infections, or irritations. Influences vocal fold vibration, causing hoarseness or voice loss.

  • Acute laryngitis: Often caused by viral infections, typically resolving in a few days.

  • Chronic laryngitis: Can result from prolonged vocal strain, irritants (smoke, acid reflux), and lasts longer than acute.

  • Treatment tips: Rest the voice, speak softly, avoid whispering, stay hydrated, and use a humidifier.

Conclusion

• Voice is a powerful tool. Understanding mechanics can lead to effective usage.

• Engagement with audience: Request for likes and subscriptions, encouragement to ask questions in comments for future discussions.