The Nature Of Voice Studies And Its Application To An Area Of Professional Training

The voice is an element of every day life. It sets us apart from other beings; it is a direct reflection of the image we are trying to portray, and also how we choose to represent ourselves. The necessity of communication on a day-to-day basis requires us to analyse the way in which we speak, and how the voice (as a function) can determine our character. The voice is an intrinsic combination of what we hear, how we hear it, and how we unconsciously use it in light of our personality and our experiences. Our perception of sounds and the accuracy with which we hear them affect the way in which we speak.

Voice studies is the understanding of the voice as an essential work tool for teacher training this is achieved through learning about the anatomy of the voice, such as the vocal folds and the respiratory system. The teacher is able to discover the possibilities of a healthy, expressive and modulated voice, and how this is required, whether it be in the work place or in a social environment. With this knowledge the instructor is then able to guide his or her student about the voice's ability to produce a specified quality and condition of vocal sound.

When one considers the nature of voice studies and its application to the profession of actor training, it is a necessity. An actor could require a voice coach for a number of reasons, particularly as a voice coach would provide the actor with a tool in which he could develop his profession. The teaching of voice studies allows the actor to completely diversify their trade and without it film production would become stagnant.

The importance of dialect coaching when an actor is representing a certain historical era, or a different culture goes without saying. The actor needs to ascertain the foundation of the character's environment and to be utterly clear about the language that he or she is trying to convey if the film is to produce a dialogue and acting ability of the highest quality, and that is correct. A good example of a film which failed to embody the historical era, which it was trying to represent, was Oliver Stone's "Alexander" 2004. The film received dire reviews due to the lack of attention when trying to portray 4th Century B.C. Greeks. What the audience received instead was an Irish dialect from the protagonist and an actor who had not properly become acquainted with the character he was trying to portray.

Voice studies is also incredibly important when applied to the genre of animated film. "The Simpsons" as an example is revolutionary because with limited permanent voice actors, hundreds of very different and expressive characters are portrayed. The voice is used and manipulated to suit the various characters and to make sure that every character is distinguishable from the next. Not only this but the show has continued to be immensely popular for over 20 years, constantly introducing new characters and remaining fresh in the public eye.

Voice studies is relevant in every field of the media. From its importance in the radio sector, insuring that the various presenters speak with enough projection and expression, to foreign films needing to be 'dubbed'. When understanding 'dubbing', a voice coach is effectively brought in to ensure that the translation is fluid and understandable. The importance of the voice coach here is that he or she is helping to make the film/television programme more accessible, and bringing the film/television programme to a wider audience.

When one considers the nature of voice studies and its application to the area of oral communication skill, the main value of a voice coach is related to teaching people who have disabilities or speech impediments. There are several biological and psychological factors that can affect the voice. Articulation problems, such as stuttering, lisping, or nerve damage can lead to problems in articulation therefore if a voice coach is arranged to help, he or she can assist with intonation and articulation. A voice coach can also help with confidence boosting as problems with speech can affect self-belief. Vocal coaches are also employed for disabled children and partially deaf individuals therefore the profession of becoming a vocal coach is not only a necessity in the working world but especially in helping the disabled.

Personally I am aware of the value of a vocal coach because in January 2008 my father was diagnosed with throat cancer. Due to a very large operation and several bouts of both chemotherapy and radiotherapy, his vocal chords were badly damaged and he has had ongoing problems both with his speech and his ability to swallow. Since January he has been extremely paranoid about his speech and this has affected both his confidence and his overall mood. One month ago my mother enlisted the help of a vocal coach and the change has been remarkable. Unfortunately she was not able to return my father's voice to how it was before the operation, due to certain vocal chords being snipped, however there has been a significant improvement. His voice, which had become somewhat muffled and congested, is more articulated and my father is now less aware of the problem and is no longer embarrassed when he speaks. Overall he is much happier and this has made his recovery a lot easier to deal with.

Another reason for voice coaches being important when applied to an area of oral communication skill is due to the U.K becoming a more and more multicultural country. Voice coaches are needed concerning the difficulties that immigrants face when they are learning English, and they can help them to adapt to their new environment more readily. A voice coach would help to rid his pupil of the strong accent they may have therefore making it relatively easier for he or she to acclimatise quicker and to also make it easier to find work and to interview better for this reason.

This leads us on to the application of voice studies regarding the area of public speaking. There is a substantial overlap of the importance of voice studies when considering both oral communication skill and public speaking. Both trades/skills require help with projection and confidence, and also raise awareness for one's own voice and how this can be developed to suit one's own needs. The only difference is that public speaking requires help and attention in how one wants to represent him/her and the image that he or she wants to portray. Public Speaking can refer to many situations, from political speeches to interviews, and from team leading exercises to selling goods in business corporations. All of these situations demand the public speaker try and engage the listener's interest and concentration. The most prominently related Public Speaking situation concerns Political speeches. A voice coach is normally arranged to help the politician to show within his speeches that he has the ability to guide others, and to try and inspire allegiance or devotion. Nelson Mandela famously had a voice coach and he is one of the foremost political figures of this era.

A voice coach imparts the public speaker with being able to engage with his or her listeners, whether it is as head of a family, a large company or government. A voice coach makes his/her pupil aware of their communication intentions and how they can use their voice to project their intentions clearly and dynamically. The message or speech given is a direct reflection of one's character and charisma, and the body language and voice deliver that message to the audience, so it is important to express oneself clearly.

Voice studies is very applicable to our lives today and as I have mentioned above there is a substantial overlap between the areas of actor training, oral communication skill and public speaking. Professions aside, vocal studies can better life in itself if we are able to speak more coherently and are able to express ourselves as we would wish. Through the aid of a voice coach, social and work related situations could only be improved, and make us more optimistic in our general well being. A vocal coach is incredibly important in all aspects of life, and every individual could benefit from the aid of a voice coach. I have seen first hand the impact of how a voice coach can help someone's life and I therefore understand that Voice Studies is a necessity when regarding its application to an area of professional training and also to general communication needs.