Today’s class was a bit lighter. I think it was all about loosening yourself up more. Step out of your comfort zone.
As we walked around the classroom, we found ourselves embodying different characters – from a fearless warrior in shining armour to a wise 100-year-old man. Somehow we ended up taking the roles of a clucking chicken and a lumbering zombie. Each character was brought to life not just through physical gestures but also through the words we spoke. For example, the warrior spoke with a confident and resolute tone, exuding courage with a hint of snobbishness. On the other hand, a 100-year-old voice was reflective, contemplative, and filled with the wisdom that comes with a century of life experience. There were moments of shakiness and vulnerability, adding a touch of authenticity to the portrayal.
I think this is what we call a voice projection practice in which the activities we did were centred around it. In the context of our drama voice is a crucial aspect for any actor. Dr. Abdullah emphasized the significance of developing our voices for effective communication, especially in educational settings where teaching requires a strong and clear presence.
Understanding that individuals vary in stature and personality, each possessing a unique vocal volume, we delved into the importance of projecting our voices to be heard by others. To enhance our voice projection skills, we explored the technique of diaphragmatic breathing. The focus was on allowing the abdomen to expand as we inhaled, as opposed to the chest. This method ensures the lungs fill with air, and the diaphragm acts as a natural amplifier, enriching the quality and volume of our voices.
In my own future classes, I plan to integrate voice projection exercises, similar to what we practiced today. Creating a space where students can explore different tones and styles of communication could foster a more inclusive and dynamic learning environment. Additionally, I aim to incorporate elements of playfulness and creativity, as today's experience showed me how effective it can be in breaking down barriers and encouraging active participation.