Speech, Diction & Dialects for Vocal & Voice Acting Jobs
We all know the clich?; that a performer's body is his "instrument." When it comes to the voice, the comparison is particularly apt. Sound acting advice suggests that, like a fine woodwind, the vocal apparatus can evoke mood and character. And to be heard clearly, with strength and timbre, the voice requires care, maintenance, and occasional tuning. Unless you plan an entertainment career as a mime, vocal ability is one of an actor's most important assets.
A strong voice must be trained and nurtured for success with vocal auditions or voice acting jobs. The actor needs to be clearly understood in a theatre or on a soundstage. Vocal muscles need to be toned and strengthened to withstand the rigors of long days on location, repeating a performance take after take (often in a less than perfect climate), or onstage for eight performances a week. In addition, often your natural speech pattern has to be put aside and replaced with a regionally specific one, depending on the needs of the character. All of this, of course, needs to be accomplished in a manner that neither drains your energy nor leaves your voice damaged.
Technique is the way one generates sound, and there are a variety of techniques that you can learn. Diction is the shaping of sounds; it works to help communicate the ideas and objectives of a character. By training the way you move your lips, tongue, and teeth, an actor finds the proper combination of openness, energy, breath, placement, and nasality for their voice. Your vocal auditions will go easily and effortlessly on your way to landing the voice over or voice acting jobs.
Finally, dialect is creating regional specificity to a speech pattern without making the speech unintelligible. This is especially important in voice acting jobs. It's a fine line an actor must walk between fidelity to the source and being understood by the audience at large. To walk the line in an entertainment career it takes skill and training.
LINKS
Diction as Direction
Actors need to articulate their words so that they, and the audience, understand.
Accent on Dialect Coaches
The speech they teach is well within your reach.
When the Accent is on Dialects
Even more important than clothing and accessories is an actor's ability to recreate various regional dialects.
From Noo Yawk to Fur Shur
American regionalisms on stage.
The Vocal Demands of the One-Person Show
"I have a 'toolbox,' garnered from the excellent voice training I've had, that for me is indispensable," says actress Linda Emond.
Voice of Your Generation
What can vocal training in speech and singing offer you?
Kiss 'G'Day Goodbye
Sometimes the accent has to go.
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