As an actor, your vocal talent is as important as it is for a singer. Your voice is an “instrument,” and just like musicians, perfection comes from training and practice. Articulation refers to the physical way we produce words or sounds, and in acting, being able to control articulation helps you to speak clearly and understandably. As an actor, your vocal expression abilities are among your most important skills, and articulation exercises can help you build on your existing talents.
What’s the Difference Between Articulation and Enunciation?
Enunciation refers to the way you pronounce words – and it also affects how you are understood. But it differs from articulation, which refers to using your physical equipment (mouth, lungs, vocal cords, tongue, etc.) for clarity and expressiveness.
The classic “rain in Spain” exercise from “My Fair Lady” is an example of an enunciation exercise. The focus is on shaping vowels, and as you can see, there are close similarities between enunciation and elocution.
In this article, however, we will focus on articulation and the exercises you can use to develop vocal control with a focus on clarity in expression.
Features of Articulation
In normal speech, we’re inclined to allow words to run together, pronouncing successive words and even phrases as if they were one word. For clear articulation, each word should have a clear beginning and ending without sounding choppy. It can be quite an art to master this skill.
Several elements go into voice control. The shape of your mouth is among these. Failing to open the mouth properly when speaking is one of the top reasons why some people mumble. Once again, it’s all about balance, opening your mouth widely enough to articulate well without exaggeration.
Of course, the way you use your vocal cords also matters. You want to develop the ability to speak loudly enough to be heard by your audience without seeming to shout. Once again, it’s all about control.
Expressiveness comes from vocal inflection, the way your voice changes pitch as you speak. Although it’s unlikely that you ordinarily speak in a monotone, consciously using inflection without sounding forced or unnatural requires training and practice.
You’ll notice that some articulation exercises are all about breath control. It’s a key skill to master if you are to make the most of your voice as an instrument for expression. Breathe from your diaphragm rather than your chest to provide the “power” you’ll need to speak distinctly without getting out of breath.
Warming Up Before You Begin
Just as athletes do a few warm up exercises before taking to the field, your articulation exercises begin with a five minute prelude. Loosen up your jaw muscles by massaging your face and run your tongue around the inside and outside of your mouth. Open your mouth as wide as you can, stretching out your facial muscles. Then, scrunch it in as if you just bit into a very sour lemon. Repeat this a few times. Now that you’re all limbered up, you’re ready to go.
Articulation Exercises for Actors
Do Breathing Exercises
Take a deep breath that expands your tummy, not just your chest, and exhale while making a long, drawn-out “hmmmm” sound. Repeat this exercise five times, and then do the same thing with a “haaaa” sound. 60 to 80 percent of people don’t engage the diaphragm properly when breathing, and your breath control exercises will help you to breathe more efficiently. You can also use these exercises as a way to relax when you’re under stress. For example, as a way to calm yourself before going onstage.
Try Some Tongue Twisters
Some tongue twisters are easier than others, and the simple “red leather, yellow leather” repetition is an example of how hard a tongue twister can be. However, it’s possible to train yourself to articulate tongue twisters. Start slowly, focusing on each word as you say it.
Choose a range of tongue twisters or create your own to help you practice articulation with different sounds. For example, “Peter Piper” is a great lip articulation exercise while “She Sells Seashells” helps you to clearly articulate sounds formed with the tongue and teeth.
When you find sounds that you struggle with, don’t despair. These will be the ones you should focus on most when working to improve articulation.
Perfect a Phrase in a Foreign Language
Ever wondered why so many people’s fake accents sound fake, why foreigners speak accented English or why you sound English when speaking another language? People grow accustomed to vocalising sounds in a certain way.
Improve your range of articulation by attempting to say phrases in another language. Record yourself and compare the result to an original. Google Translate is a good tool for that. Keep trying until you sound like a native speaker. Now, try articulating English words using the vowel sounds you used when speaking in another language.
If you ever have to learn an accent, this articulation exercise will make it a lot easier. It also makes you focus on the physiological mechanisms you employ when articulating sounds, helping you to control them more consciously.
Run Through the Phonetic Alphabet
Running through the alphabet, pronouncing the letters rather than “naming” them, is another great exercise. It takes you through a full range of phonetic sounds, and if you concentrate on how you are forming them, it will help you develop better articulation skills.
How Often Should You Practice Articulation?
Fifteen or twenty minutes a day spent on articulation exercises will help you to build the right habits. You can also use articulation exercises as part of your pre-performance warm up, rather like the way musicians tune and warm up their instruments before they play.
You’ll find that articulation exercises make you more mindful of the way you speak in ordinary situations too, turning everything you say into yet another form of articulation exercise. Remember, your aims are clarity and expression, and they’ll benefit you in everyday life too.
Put Your Communication Skills to Work With RSVP
As an actor, you are a communication specialist who constantly develops your skills. Why not put them to work with us? We don’t expect you to let go of your acting ambitions. In fact, we support them with flexible work that allows you to earn while you study or when you’re between roles. Be the voice of a brand. Persuade, empathise, instruct and inform. We’re always looking for fresh talent, so visit our career page and take it from there.