The Mechanics of Speech

The Mechanics of Speech

• The provided information serves as study for the mechanics of speech with focus on the physical parts of the voice.

The Speaking Process

• The speaking process includes the respiratory, phonating/vocalizing, and resonating systems.

The Respiratory System

• The primary function of the respiratory system is breathing, which provides an airstream.
• Exhaled air through an airstream produces speech sounds

Respiratory Parts

• The lungs serve as the reservoir of air
• The trachea is the tube in humans enabling air to pass to/from the lungs
• It provides a clear airway
• The diaphragm, a musculo-tendinous structure, separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities.
• Ribs support and protect the chest cavity and assist with lung expansion/contraction.

Phonating/Vocalizing Parts

• The phonating/vocalizing system, also known as the larynx, or voice box
• It includes the larynx as well as, specifically, the vocal folds, commonly referred to as vocal cords
• The larynx protects the lower respiratory tract from aspirating food into the trachea during breathing
• Vocal cords are folds of tissue in the larynx that regulate airflow into the lungs, creating sound for speech
• Laryngeal muscles are intrinsic muscles in the larynx responsible for sound production and movements of laryngeal cartilages and folds.

Resonating Parts

• The resonating parts known as the vocal tract includes: the mouth, jaw, uvula and nasal cavity
• Resonance shapes and amplifies sound waves for vocal tone

Articulatory Parts

• Articulators include the tongue, lower lip, and jaw
• Points of articulation include the upper lip, upper teeth, alveolar ridge or teeth ridge, the palate, and uvula

Speech Organ Functions and Production

• Breathing involves inhalation (intake) and exhalation (expulsion of air).
• Diaphragm contracts during inhalation, exerting a pull
• Diaphragm relaxes and expands during exhalation, pressuring the lungs
• Air is forced up through the trachea
• Inhalations are shorter during pauses, while exhalations are longer and controlled by abdominal muscles

Respiration

• This involves inhalation that takes in the fresh air and exhalation which expels of used air.
• Raw material for speech is in the air exhaled when speaking
• Air stored in the lungs during speaking and exhalation is forced by abdominal muscles supporting the diaphragm, controlling airflow
• The diaphragm is the primary breathing muscle, providing pressure to the breathing stream and forces enough air from the lungs to sustain the phrase

Vocalizing Parts

• Muscles in the abdomen force air up the trachea and into the larynx
• The second speech organ, sets at the the tip of the larynx
• This causes vocal cords to vibrate, emitting upward sound waves, which are muffled sounds

Phonation

• The outgoing air is pushed through the trachea into the larynx, located behind the Adam's apple
• Phonation occurs in a sound production room in the surge
• Air sets the vocal cords to vibrate
• Sends sound waves upward transforming air into vocal sounds

Resonating Parts

• Sounds from the vocal cords are altered and amplified by the oral, nasal, and pharyngeal cavities.
• These sounds are modified on sound boards produced by changing the opening of the mouth.
• Tones from vocal folds and the glottis become audible when changed into syllables, words.

Resonation

• Weak sounds are produced through phonation
• Chambers modify and amplify these sounds resonate
• These cavities sound much better in the pharynx, nose, or mouth
• The sounds are modified and improved richer and fuller.

Articulatory Parts

• Articulators coordinated with fixed points of articulation make sounds distinct and clear
• These include the tongue, lower lip, and jaw. Points of articulation are the upper lip, upper teeth, alveolar ridge, the palate.
• The tongue is one of the most vital articulators
• The tongue is flexible and has three sections: the tip, the blade, and the root. the blade has three parts: front, center, and back.

Articulation

• Vocal articulation is the point of interaction with fixed point of speech sounds, syllables or recognizable words
• Recognizeable and intelligible speech happens at the articulation stage

Effective Speaking Voice

• Oral representation of words shows the speaker's emotional states
• Sound production expresses age, sex, and personality
• Being mentally present and well-spoken creates effective speech

Desirable Speaking Voice

• Voice is air vibrating the vocal cords in the throat
• Being conscious is vital to tape and improve
• Identifying strength and weaknesses develops good voice

Characteristics

• Loud, pleasing, and low-pitched with modulation, clarity, ease, and fluidity are vital.

Factors that Aid in Voice Production

• A pleasing voice is determined by ease, posture, and breath control.
• Relaxation helps
• A relaxed voice enables speech more smoothly

Working toward relaxation, you can:

• Yawn and reach around.
• Slowly tilt head, lift shoulders, take deep breaths
• Use vowel sounds.
• Kick, reach, touch, and wiggle your body, then stand with correct posture

Other Ways to Aid Voice Production

• Incorrect body language could distract your audience
• Tucking in tummy, shoulders, chin, lifted body posture
• Always monitor yourself

Breath Control

• Diaphragm controls power tones
• Develop a method of breathing that enables this action to occur

Pointers to Having a Better Voice

• Relax and breathe well
• Watch your posture, exercise
• Control how high or low you speak
• If you don't over do it and train this is something you can learn