1. The Use of the Voice UPEL-IPC English Language Teaching Lilly Albornoz – Meibel Gonzalez, Yuleisy Marquez

2. VOICE PRODUCTION In Anatomy & Physiology of the Voice, an article of the Milton, J. Dance Jr. Head and Neck Center , voice production is a complex action, and involves practically all systems of the body. Voice production begins with respiration (breathing). Air is inhaled as the diaphragm (the large, horizontal muscle below the lungs) lowers. The volume of the lungs expands and air rushes in to fill this space. Persons exhale as the muscles of the rib cage lower and the diaphragm raises, essentially squeezing the air out.

3. Diaphragmatic breathing: Diaphragmatic breathing or deep breathing consists of breathing deep into your lungs by flexing your diaphragm . This deep breathing is marked by expansion of the stomach rather than the chest when breathing. The diaphragm is the most efficient muscle of breathing. It is a large muscle located at the base of the lungs.

4. Diaphragmatic Breathing Techniques Exercise while sitting in a chair: 1. Sit comfortably and relaxed. 2. Place one hand on your chest and the other on your abdomen. 3. Take a deep breath from your nose. 4. Feel how your abdomen expands. 5. keep the air for some seconds. 6. release the air slowly through pursed lips. 7. Repeat again. How often should I practice this exercise? At first, practice this exercise 5-10 minutes about 3-4 times per day. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend doing this exercise, and perhaps even increase the effort of the exercise by placing a book on your abdomen.

5. PRACTICE 1.- Stand up. Relax your body. 2. Open your legs and bend your knees. 3. Breath deep into your lungs. (count 4). Feel who your abdomen expands. 4 Keep the air in two seconds. 5. Release the air through pursed lips. ( count 8). Now, do the same but release the air producing the fricative /s/ then with /m/ Notice how this exercises help us increase the volume of our voice. MORE EXERCISES: Modulation 1 Take a pen and put it in your mouth in horizontal position. 2 Read a text aloud. (Try to pronounce as good as you can). Now read the same text whispering and then with tight teeth.

6. Recomendations -Drink water. -Practice diaphragmatic breathing techniques. -Include fruits and vegetables in your diet. -Exercise regularly. -Get enough rest. -Articulate clearly so that you don´t need to repeat what you said. -Use facial and hands gestures to enhance meanings. -Limit the intake of caffeine and alcohol. -Do not smoke. -Do not cradle the phone when speaking, that action can cause muscle tension in the neck. -Avoid talking in noisy places. -Avoid mouthwash that contains alcohol or irritating chemicals. - Use natural gargles with salt and water.

7. If you want more information about the use of your voice consult the following sources: