So i was signed up for this training on "Voice skill for presentations". Paul (that is Dr. Paul Almond, module convener for Criminal Law @ University of Reading) assured me that it would be fun.
It was!
There was an exercise where we had to think of a phrase and say it out to a partner with specific emphasis on certain words, on volume and speed. I couldn't help not being cheeky and so i said "Can you please not repeat what i am saying?", much to the amusement to the others. It backfired, tho, cuz when i had to repeat it a few times, i had difficulty saying it with a straight face.
The trainer was pretty good and had a vast knowledge on the matter. One thing we 'learnt' was that shouting "HELP" to attract attention when we are in danger is not a very good idea! You see, because the word "help" starts with the letter 'H', a lot of breath is used just to start saying it! And there is only 1 vowel in the word. Further, it ends with a 'P' - a short abrupt end.
We therefore lose a lot of volume and clarity as there is shortness of breath and too many consonants!
Our trainer suggested that the world - well, the English speaking world - should replace 'help' with some other word like 'BONG'! The 'bo...' helps in achieving a higher volume while the '...ng' ending helps us to drag it longer!
Try it! I kid you not. It is so much easier to shout out "BONG" than "HELP"!
On a separate note, here is an amusing clip which had viewers all over the UK laughing last week. And it so happens that it was done with the song 'Help' playing in the background! Enjoy!
p/s - if my choir mistress is reading this, i actually confirmed with the trainer that eating spicy food before a singing presentation is alright! The spicy food does not affect the larynx!!! There you go! :-P
*This song was ranked at no. 29 in the Rolling Stones list of 500 Greatest Songs of all time. Apparently, Lennon wrote this song to describe the stress he faced due to the quick rise in fame from obscurity.
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