Chapter Five: Volume
Objectives:
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To explain the relationship of amplitude (loudness or volume) to voice.
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To discuss the way in which meaning is manipulated by volume changes.
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To indicate the role of syllabic stress in language.
•
To teach voice placement and projection.
•
To instruct the reader in volume variety.
Content:
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Terms: volume, projection, stress
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Amplitude and decibel levels
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Relation of acoustics to voice
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The role of voice support and amplification in projection
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Paralinguistic factors of loudness
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Syllabic stress
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Projection
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Variety
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Exercises: Syllabic stress in words and sentences, projection and support, variety
Activities:
•
Take students to a variety of spaces—an indoor racquetball court, a large theater, a small
“black box” theater, a gymnasium, etc. Ask them to present a minute speech in each
Application Questions:
Ask your students to write responses to these questions; use them for class
discussion; or simply ask students to personally apply the questions.
1.
Do others often have to ask you to repeat yourself, or do they tend to think of you as
Focus Messages
•It would be helpful for acting or broadcasting students to go to specialized venues for
practice. If you can, arrange to hold a portion of a class meeting at other sites.
stress.
Discussion questions:
1.
What has been your experience regarding the volume level of your voice? Do people
often say “huh” to you or do they tell you “hey, this is a small room”?
2.
Do you think anger is best expressed by shouting?
3.
What is the relationship of spaces to volume levels?
Quiz questions:
True/false
degree of vocal stress.
Multiple choice
(b) intimate space, (d) social space.
(c) 200-225 decibels, (d) 65-70 decibels.
(b) verbs, (c) articles, (d) pronouns.
(a) velum, (b) pharynx, (c) tongue, (d) diaphragm.
Short answer
1.
What factors contribute to your ability to perceive the volume level of sound? (pitch
2.
Explain the paralinguistics of volume changes. (Characterizes mood, attitude, and
3.
What role does syllabic stress play in language? (Identifies the most significant part of
4.
What were Edward Hall’s four distances and how does that relate to voice? (Intimate,
5.
Explain the concept of voice projection? (Placing one’s voice within the limits of the
