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.