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Hello! Today we will look at exercises to improve diction. Not every modern person is able to boast of a beautiful, and most importantly, clear pronunciation of words. And even if you don’t have any particularly tangible problems, training in any case will benefit
Some general information
The reasons for poor diction are different, for example, congenital defects of the speech apparatus. In this case, it is necessary to consistently devote time to training, mainly with the help of a speech therapist.
But most often, as usual, all the problems stretch from childhood. The child has little chance of learning to speak beautifully when “lisping” with him. That is, the words are distorted. He does not know what is right, why he repeats after those who educate him.
Gradually, growing up, he, of course, begins to pronounce them as necessary, but problems with some sounds may remain. Because the articulation is broken.
You need to improve your diction if you want to:
- To be understood. In addition to the ability to correctly express your thoughts, it is important to pronounce words clearly. Since people who meet you for the first time may have difficulty in perceiving information. Especially if you are a public figure or talking to a person in a place where it is quite noisy.
- Make an impression. Beautiful speech and delivered voice show you from the best side.
- Note. Any story will arouse interest and desire to listen.
Exercises
Opera singer
Has it ever happened that there is simply not enough air to complete a sentence and it becomes necessary to take an urgent breath?
This is a fairly common problem that is very annoying during public speaking. Because listeners involuntarily tense up, feeling breathing problems, as if wanting to help the speaker.
To get rid of this difficulty, try to pull any vowel for as long as you can. Try not to change the volume, tone. At first, it can even be 10 seconds, but over time, you can withstand up to 50 seconds.
Balloons
Develop the diaphragm by inflating the balloons. This method is even prescribed as a rehabilitation after pneumonia, bronchitis, and even some operations, both of the upper respiratory tract and of the heart.
During inhalation, the upper intercostal muscles lift the lower ribs, thereby increasing the volume of the chest. And this is just what you need, so that when you finish pronouncing the words, you don’t have to gasp for air.
Work out when it is convenient for you, the main thing is that the room is ventilated. Also, experts recommend blowing balloons an hour before meals, so as not to feel worse. They can be of various sizes and thicknesses. Choose thin ones to start with, they are easiest to inflate, gradually increasing the load.
Poetry
They should not be taught, but read aloud. Although the first option will also have a positive effect on your memory.
Look for compound ones that have a lot of words with adjacent consonants. Mayakovsky’s creations are perfect for these purposes.
It is important to read not only correctly and without hesitation, but also with expression. With the help of intonation, conveying the emotions that the selected poem evokes.
Record yourself on a voice recorder, listening to the recording later, you will be able to notice moments that require attention.
Activation of the abdomen and chest
Try to say the sound «m» with your mouth closed. Start quietly and gradually increase the volume. Your ligaments will tighten and develop accordingly.
When performing this task, place one hand on your chest and the other on the top of your head. If you feel a vibration under your palms, it means that you managed to catch your natural sound.
Pencil
Usually actors use this method. You need to take a regular wooden pencil in your mouth and clench your teeth. Then try to read any text.
If this task was easy for you the first time, try to complicate it by replacing the pencil with a wine cork.
BOOK
Do you know how to get a good posture? You need to put a heavy book on your head and walk around the room without dropping it. So, in addition to posture, with the help of this exercise you can also improve your diction. Learn a few tongue twisters and repeat them as you wander around the rooms. The movements should be smooth, like your speech.
Loads
If you can easily pronounce difficult words and clearly, with expression, declare poems, it’s time to complicate the work. Try to talk without hesitation and holding your breath during physical exertion. For example, push-ups or running.
An easier option is to bend over and walk around the room, as if looking for something on the floor.
Emotionality
Take any sentence and say it, wanting to color each sentence with some particular emotion. It is advisable to do this in front of a mirror to monitor facial expressions. It’s not worth replaying, otherwise you will repel interlocutors who will consider your efforts as antics.
The face must be relaxed. And only your voice should convey the feelings that you experience, put them into every word. You can start with tenderness, anger, disappointment, sadness, happiness and confusion.
Brainstorm
To make it easier to formulate thoughts in a conversation and at the same time speak clearly, try doing an easy, at first glance, exercise. Knead each finger and give out absolutely everything that comes to your mind. The main thing is that there are no pauses. It is necessary to hold out in this mode for at least five minutes.
Head waiter
Take a book with names, or just open the list in any of the gadgets. Then imagine that you are the maître d’ who must name each guest at the ball. Announce loudly so that those present do not have to ask the people nearby about what you just said.
Completion
Finally, I want to recommend an article that shows exercises for developing articulation at home. You can find it by clicking on this link.
Take care of yourself and be happy!
The material was prepared by a psychologist, Gestalt therapist, Zhuravina Alina