Vocal Terminology BEGINNING DRAMA
Diaphragm: A large flat muscle that separates the lungs from the stomach area
Tone: The quality of voice. Reflects emotion and resonance
Resonance: The vibrant tone when sound waves strike the chambers of the throat, head, nose and mouth
Pitch: The relative highness or lowness of the voice
Nasality: Vowel sounds are forced through the nasal cavity, resulting in a flat voice and twangy sound
Inflection: Variety in pitch
Monotone: The lack of inflection in the voice
Volume: The relative strength or intensity with which a sound is made
Rate: The speed at which words are spoken
Articulation: The clarity of vocal sounds. Also called enunciation.
Pronunciation: Using the correct sounds and syllabic stresses of words.
Projection: Controlling the voice’s volume and tone so that it can be heard clearly.