DE-NASALIZE

When we speak, the air of our voice is directed primarily through our mouth.

The air, produced by our vocal cords, can also pass through our nasal passage, thus sounding ‘nasal’.

A bit of nasalization contributes to the pleasant tonal effects of our voice,
but over nasalization may sound ‘lazy’ ‘affected’, and even’ annoying’.

In English, 3 sounds require nasalized production – M N -NG

Nasality is required in the production of certain vowels, as in French.

Other languages may utilize nasal tones to alter meanings.

Physiologically explained, the soft palate remains at rest and is too relaxed to rise and close the nasal cavity, thus allowing air to escape through the nose.

Showing soft palate placement and airflow in nasal and oral cavities in speech production. — Lateral view of the speech mechanism at rest

This can be due to habit, culture or lack of muscle tone.
Over nasalization should be avoided and used in natural moderation.

Use your palate correctly.

How do we control sounding ‘nasal’?

View the SPEECH MECHANISM video lesson in the ACCENTUATIONS series – for a recommended understanding of the production of speech.