VOICE DICTION

• Diction


  The careful selection and pronunciation of words to convey meaning effectively
• Diction


  • Involves articulating each syllable and consonant clearly, ensuring that every word is understood by the listener
  • Involves paying attention to factors such as tone, pace, and emphasis to convey the intended message with clarity and impact
• Ear training is almost as important as speech training
• Vowel sounds


  Classified as front vowels, middle vowels, or back vowels, according to the position of the tongue as the vowel is formed
• There are just six vowel letters in English—a, e, i, o, u, and sometimes y, but there are many vowel sounds
• Schwa (e)


  The vowel sound in an unstressed syllable, often pronounced as a soft "uh"
• Spelling is not a reliable guide to pronunciation
• International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)


  A system created to represent the sounds found in all languages

  
• Vowel sounds that are often confused

  • The ô sound
  • The o˘ sound
  • The e¯ sound
  • The a˘ sound
  • The ûr sound
  • The e˘ sound
• Consonant sounds


  Made by deliberately blocking the air passage at some point with the tongue, soft palate, or lips
• Types of consonants


  • Plosive
  • Fricative
  • Nasal
• Certain consonants present a challenge to speakers and actors
• Difficult consonants


  • The r before a vowel
  • The l in words like elm and fool
  • Combinations of words such as "Didn't you?", "Wouldn't you?", and "Did you?"
• Tips for proper diction

  • Slow down
  • Articulate
  • Practice tongue twisters
  • Record yourself
  • Warm up your voice
  • Focus on vowels and consonants
  • Use your diaphragm
  • Pause for emphasis
  • Be mindful of accent reduction
  • Seek feedback
  • Practice tongue exercises
  • Listen to professional speakers
• Improving diction in speaking takes time and practice
• Diction exercises


  • Vowel sounds
  • Consonant sounds
• Diction


  Encompassing both vowel and consonant sounds, fundamental to clear and effective communication in spoken language
• Vowel sounds


  • Produced by shaping the oral cavity without any obstruction of airflow, resulting in distinct sounds such as "a," "e," "i," "o," and "u"
• Consonant sounds


  • Involve varying degrees of obstruction of airflow through the mouth, lips, or teeth, resulting in sounds like "b," "t," "s," "m," and "r"
• Achieving proper diction and producing vowel and consonant sounds effectively

  1. Practice techniques to improve tongue and mouth muscle control

  2. Pay attention to breath support and airflow

  3. Practice proper pronunciation in various contexts

  4. Receive feedback from peers or instructors
• Mastering diction, vowel sounds, and consonant sounds contributes to effective verbal communication, enhancing clarity and understanding in spoken language interactions
• Mispronunciations often arise due to differences in English and Filipino phonetics and accent patterns
• Regular practice and exposure to correct pronunciation can help improve clarity in spoken English for Filipino speakers
• Genetic predisposition to stuttering

  • Evidence of familial patterns
  • Specific gene variants associated with increased susceptibility
• Neurological differences in individuals who stutter

  • Differences in brain structure and function, particularly in areas related to speech production and motor control
• Psychological factors associated with stuttering

  • Anxiety
  • Stress
  • Self-consciousness
• Psychological factors


  Can exacerbate stuttering, creating a cycle of anticipation and avoidance that further disrupts fluent speech
• Environmental influences on stuttering

  • Familial dynamics
  • Communication patterns
  • Societal expectations
• Growing up in an environment where communication is rushed or interrupted


  May contribute to the development of speech disruptions
• Societal pressures to conform to standardized speech norms

  Can heighten self-awareness and exacerbate stuttering behaviors
• The roots of stuttering in speaking are complex and interconnected, involving a combination of genetic predispositions, neurological differences, psychological factors, and environmental influences
• Understanding the multifaceted roots of stuttering is essential for developing effective interventions and support systems to help individuals manage and overcome stuttering challenges in their communication journey
• Slow Down


  Speaking at a slower pace can help reduce the likelihood of stuttering
• Practice Relaxation Techniques


  Engaging in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or mindfulness meditation can help alleviate stress and promote a more relaxed state of mind and body during speech
• Use Pauses and Pacing


  Incorporating intentional pauses and pacing into speech can provide opportunities to catch one's breath, gather thoughts, and reduce the pressure to maintain a constant flow of speech
• Practice Smooth Speech Techniques

  Smooth speech techniques, such as gentle onset, light contacts, and continuous airflow, can help individuals achieve a smoother and more fluent speech pattern
• Use Visualization and Mental Imagery

  Visualizing successful and fluent speech scenarios can help individuals build confidence and reduce anxiety related to speaking
• Seek Speech Therapy


  Speech therapy with a qualified speech-language pathologist (SLP) can provide individuals who stutter with personalized strategies and techniques to manage their stuttering effectively
• Educate Others


  Educating friends, family members, coworkers, and others about stuttering can help create a supportive and understanding environment
• Stuttering is a unique experience for each individual, and what works for one person may not work for another