The goals to achieve, working with the speech bone are: an
effectively improved space in and movability of oral space
and pharynx (vocal tract). Also to improve supple, yet powerful
muscle use in order to get precise, agile, vivid and highly
variable positions of the lips, tongue, jaw and soft palate
and hence a warming up of the speech musculature.
Thanks to the minimal dimensions and modest ribbon measure,
lip closure is possible.
Practising with the speech bone lays the foundation for and
makes part of the work to:
- Optimize, precise and put into practise
articulation skills.
- Correct pronunciation mistakes on
vowel - and consonant level.
- Become aware of and modify speech
patterns.
- Eliminate or learn accents
- Limber up and excel in diction,
articulation skill
(small mechanism)
- Combine the small mechanism with
high volume and complete
pitch range (major mechanism).
- Maintain and train vocal and speaking
skills during the
training of speech tasks
and singing
(acting, presenting, teaching,
performing, declaiming etc.).
- Maintain a correct and relaxed position
of the larynx during
speaking behaviour.
- Use a free and open voice whilst
speaking
- Grow awareness and improvement of
lip -, jaw-, palate-
and tongue position.
- Limber up, stimulate and strengthen
speech musculature.
- Prevent or let go of ineffective
tensions around the mouth.
The speech
bone is made from a Class 2a (long term) biocompatible (non-toxic,
flavourless) material and is shaped as a concave rod of 11/13
mm (height) and 4/6 mm (diameter). There is a 2 mm hole drilled
through the centre, through which a (natural) silk ribbon
is threaded.
MANUAL
The speech bone goes with a manual:
"Speech bonemanual".
Herein the basic principles for use are described. The booklet
contains the specific practice mode for voice and articulation:
as well for the English as for the German, Italian, French
and Spanish language.
DESIGN
The speech bone comes consists of class 1 biocompatible material
(CE certified) and is light in weight. Finished smoothly (no
casting - or die-cut welt); no distracting sensation when
held between the teeth.
All materials are tasteless
and non-toxic.
The neck strap consists of a
2mm narrow (natural) silk ribbon. Narrow, to don't disturb
the subtle speech motor. Silk, because silk is strong enough
and safe at the same time; silk snaps at a brisk tug. With
a neck strap, necklace, shoelace, cord or thread around the
neck there's always a risk of getting stuck behind something
of someone (especially during acting class). Nylon ribbon
would leave marks, lashes or cuts (or even: giving a strangle
effect) at such occasion. Always wear your speech bone on
this silk ribbon - do not use it independently (choking hazard)!
Replacement ribbon can be ordered atthe dutch
site
The accessory pouch with drawstring
is made of satin woven nylon.