Chapter Two: The Vocal Mechanism
Objectives:
• To inform the reader of the four anatomical parts of the vocal mechanism and the
relationship of each to voice production.
• To introduce the concept of relaxation by presenting appropriate exercises.
• To present exercises for improving breath control and support.
Content:
• Speech as an overlaid process
• The structures of breathing—inhalation, exhalation, muscles, diaphragm.
• The process of phonation—larynx, glottis, epiglottis, vocal folds, arytenoids.
• The cavities of resonation—pharynx, formant frequencies, oral cavity, velum, nasal
passages, resonance focus.
• The process of articulation—tongue, lips, teeth, gums, hard palate, velum, lower jaw.
•Concepts of vocal and auditory health.
• Relaxation exercises—progressive, meditative.
• Breathing exercises—increasing and sustaining breath support.
Activities:
Use the exercises in the book that deal with relaxation and breathing.
Application Questions:
Ask your students to write responses to these questions; use them for class
discussion; ask students to personally apply these questions.
1. Under what conditions or circumstances do you seem to be more breathless or does your
voice seem to “tire”? Now that you understand breath control, how can you achieve
better breathing during those times?
2. When does your voice seem to be tight, hoarse or harsh? How can you produce a more
relaxed sound?
3. What are the occasions when you seem to lose vocal control? When angry? At a sports
event? A concert? What can you do to protect your voice during those times?
4. Assess the noise in your life? Do you wear headphones? Does your aerobics class play
loud music? Is your car radio turned to maximum volume? What can you do to protect
your hearing?
5. Design a program for yourself for achieving vocal relaxation.
Focus Messages:
Discussion questions:
1. Why would it be highly inadvisable to try to swallow and talk at the same time?
2. How can clavicular breathing inhibit your ability to sustain your voice?
3. How can nervousness affect your breath support?
4. How is hearing related to speech?
Quiz questions:
True/False
Multiple choice
(c)
12 times, (d) 20 times.
occlusion, (d) uvula.
(d)
articulation.
Short answer
1. Explain why voice production is called an overlaid function. (The structures utilized in
2. Why does an effective speaker learn to control exhalation? (For speech, one takes shorter
3. Explain why resonation gives quality to voice. (Resonation amplifies and modifies sound
4. What is the difference between the terms voiced and unvoiced? (Voiced sounds are
5. Why should you work toward relaxing as you produce voice? (Physical tension will