1. Air is the fuel:
* Our vocal cords are like delicate strings inside our larynx (voice box).
* When we breathe in, our lungs fill with air.
* This air is then pushed out by our diaphragm and other muscles, creating air pressure.
* This air pressure travels through the trachea and into the larynx, where it hits the vocal cords.
2. Vocal cord vibration:
* The air pressure from our lungs makes the vocal cords vibrate.
* The faster the air flows, the faster the vocal cords vibrate, resulting in higher pitches.
* The slower the air flow, the slower the vibration, resulting in lower pitches.
* The strength of the air flow also determines the loudness of our voice.
3. Shaping the sound:
* The vibrating vocal cords create a basic sound.
* This sound is then shaped by our mouth, tongue, and lips into the specific sounds of speech.
* We use these muscles to create different vowel and consonant sounds.
Breathing and speech are intricately linked:
* Proper breathing control is essential for clear, articulate speech.
* When we run out of breath, our voice may become strained, weak, or unsteady.
* Learning to control our breathing is a key part of speech therapy for people with speech difficulties.
In summary:
Breathing provides the power source for speech. Without adequate breath control, we cannot produce clear, understandable speech.