Vocal use and variety

1. Some of the key aspects of voice production that an actor needs to keep in mind when he acts include his pitch, clarity, diction and tone. These factors should not be taken into consideration as individual aspects, though, because individually, they do not give much variety or work effectively in terms of expression.

Pitch is the relative level, intensity, or extent of the voice. A change in pitch can introduce different levels of an emotion. Anger, for example, can be expressed in different ways. A high-pitched voice used to depict anger may mean that the level of anger has reached its maximum, possibly to the point whereby the character is deliriously frustrated and exasperated. On the other hand, an angry statement made in a low voice or tone could mean that the anger is suppressed and that it might explode at any moment. By keeping in mind to introduce pitch in his/her speech, an actor can make sure that the mood that the character is going through is expressed to the audience.

Clarity, determines how lucid and actor is in assuming a role. In order to play a role convincingly, the actor has to ensure that he/she delivers a line clearly. Speaking as if the lines are your own, makes it seem more believable. In addition to this, diction, or the way you articulate your words is very important so that what spoken on-stage does not seem like an array of mumbles. Language is generally, an important factor in theatre and most of the time, the message of the play is brought across through the use of words. If the actor does not clearly enunciate his words, then the meaning of the play might be lost.

Generally, the tone of voice in which an actor uses in a scene would have to depend on his lines. The inflection of voice can help o express mood or emotion, which realizes the situation. Adopting the right tone of voice throughout also ensures that the lines being spoken are not monotonous, or seem rehearsed.

2. According to Cicely Berry, " speaking is part of a whole: an expression of inner life." Although the vocal range of an actor plays a key role in most forms of theatre, it does not simply mean that voice is the one and only tool that could succeed an actor. The overall experience of a theatre does not only prioritize speech, for the actions which are undertaken by the actors also, most of the time, help to make the presentation more believable.

However, with the absence of a good vocal range, a scene with even the most appropriate actions can be lost into a monotonous reading of the script. That said, the importance of voice as a tool can only be justified when it is accompanied by the right actions.

Done by: Siti Suhara