Beyond stumbling and mumbling
“Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.” ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. (physician, poet, professor, and author)
Advanced tongue twisters:
- She stood on the balcony, inexplicably hiccuping, while amicably welcoming him in.
- Amidst the mists and smoky frosts, with barest wrists and stoutest boasts, he thrusts his fists upon the posts, and still insists he sees the ghosts.
Quick Summary:
- You must warm up your tongue and lips to speak clearly.
- Use a cork to open up your palette, and develop your articulation.
- Find an alignment that supports your voice, is still relaxed, and includes the string from the top of your head.
To illustrate the points:
I mention MLK many times throughout these lessons—and for good reason. His elocution, articulation, passion, and experience are so clear in this, his final—and only one of—his amazing speeches.
Another example from My Fair Lady: here Rex Harrison instructs Eliza Dolittle on how to “correct” her accent and to speak clearly.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ttzV1YoU0uI
The Alexander Technique teaches people how to avoid unnecessary muscular and mental tension during their everyday activities.
Time to practice!
- From the videos: do the tongue-twisters and cork speak (use a nursery rhyme)
- On camera: to see what you’re currently doing, turn to the side, showing what your posture is. Watch the video back, and see what you might need to correct. Then, get back on camera, turn to the side with your “natural” posture, and see if you can correct it on camera.
- On camera: with your “new” posture, recite a nursery rhyme of your choosing. Post to the group!
Well done on making it to this point!
https://youtu.be/3-Yq_kao7Wo