Overview
This lecture explains how the human voice is produced, detailing the physical processes and body parts involved in voice creation.
How Voice Production Begins
- The process starts with a thought in the brain, creating an impulse to communicate.
- The nervous system sends messages to initiate movement in specific body parts for sound production.
Role of the Diaphragm and Breathing
- The diaphragm is the main muscle responsible for breathing, located between the lungs/heart and other organs.
- When the diaphragm contracts, it moves downward and allows the lungs to fill with air.
- The lungs are passive in this process; the diaphragm performs the active work of breathing.
Vocal Cords and Sound Creation
- Air pushed up from the lungs travels up the windpipe toward the vocal cords.
- The vocal cords, located in the larynx, are small, paired structures that vibrate as air passes through.
- These rapid vibrations turn airflow into sound waves (vibrations).
Resonance and Tone Formation
- The vocal tract, including the mouth, throat, and facial bones, amplifies and modifies sound vibrations.
- The tone of the voice is determined by how vibrations resonate in these chambers.
Articulation and Language
- The mouth, tongue, lips, jaw, and palate shape sound into recognizable language.
- These structures finalize the transformation from vibrations to spoken words.
Common Voice Issues and Whole-Body Involvement
- Issues like low volume or cracking can result from tension or lack of space in resonating chambers.
- The voice is a whole-body process, not limited to the throat.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Diaphragm — a dome-shaped muscle under the lungs essential for breathing.
- Vocal cords — two small folds in the larynx that vibrate to produce sound.
- Larynx — the structure in the neck housing the vocal cords; also called the voice box.
- Vocal tract — the airway passages above the vocal cords, including the throat and mouth, which shape sound.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Prepare to learn techniques in week two for optimizing body posture and space to improve voice quality.
- Optional: Research more about voice production using online resources if interested.