Articulation Exercises for Actors (How to Improve Articulation & Diction)

Articulation is one of the core elements of voice work, and being able to communicate in clearly is paramount for actors. Whether you are tackling the upper class world of Oscar Wilde, the loquacious language of Shakespeare, or the fast paced poetry of Kate Tempest - articulation is everything. But articulation is more than just a few tongue twisters, and this video will go into the many ways you can refine your vocal agility.
In this video we talk through a number of exercises to help you work on articulation and diction. All of these exercises will help you nail your next audition or performance.
Tongue Twister (PDF):
www.stagemilk.com/wp-content/...
Voiced and unvoiced Patterns (PDF)
www.stagemilk.com/wp-content/...
Full article on articulation exercises:
www.stagemilk.com/articulatio...

[@luneseishin11]

I'm not even an actor but I find articulations so interesting

[@StageMilk]

It fun right!

[@neidaramirez2373]

Me to but I am a singer so this helps

[@stellaro519]

Sure you aren't an actor? I am having a blast 😃doing community theatre

[@luneseishin11]

@@stellaro519 that's amazing! I'm super anxious and introverted so I don't think acting would be for me (´-﹏-`；)

[@freddymilanya4469]

1:07 1:08

[@ummok5316]

Thank you, I recorded myself before with my regular timid voice and then after doing enunciation exercises. I read a passage from a book, and I almost sound like a different person, incredible

[@hexchad765]

#1 tongue twisters #2 tongue stretches A, B, C, D #3 massage: jaw, cheeks, lip, neck 1) look down, up 2) look left, right 3) stroking the dog #4 jumble mouth #5 voiced and unvoiced patterns #6 put a pencil in it

[@rahulsinghrathore9844]

Thanks for giving a list by process

[@jordanialee8239]

Finally a video that actually gives some practical exercises to practice. Thank you!

[@yevheniyk5358]

Man, the pencil exercice is mind blowing, made a great diference for me.

[@89ruzz]

This should be getting more views. So helpful. Thanks for this!

[@Proper.Lady.5]

Pulling down on one's cheeks may not be the best way to relax the jaw and cheeks. Gravity is pulling down on those muscles every single minute of every single waking day. Instead of pulling down, try a gentle upward stroke with the palms of your hands. I guarantee you will find an immediate relaxation benefit! These neck exercises are perfect, and I will be incorporating them into my "Centered Breath" exercise in the coming weeks. This exercise is not yet available on KZbin, but will be in the next few weeks. BTW, I have been teaching voice since the sixties; and in my "Song For Non Singers" class. which I taught for 25 years in Cambridge, MA. I worked with more than 5,000 voices.

[@cameronyoung4245]

Thankyou dude. Really appreciate this information. I'm getting into narration and i can already see the results of practicing these exercises.

[@idrinkrawmilk554]

I find this video very helpful, especially since I’m trying to become a voice actor.

[@ThePoorBoy]

I love that you included some of your flubs! Makes us all feel a little better! But you're a badass at your craft, brother. And you are a badass at teaching it! :)

[@StageMilk]

Thanks mate! And glad you enjoyed it flubs and all

[@ethanm4122]

Shakespeare IS STILL ALIVE HES IN THIS VIDEO

[@StageMilk]

That's what I keep telling people!

[@j.helenyang6417]

Really enjoyed the video and the handouts. Thank you!

[@Picsio64]

Thank you so much. I noticed an immediate difference in my articulation after only a few exercises. I only wish you had been available when I first started my radio career years ago. Never too late I say.

[@StageMilk]

That is so great to hear - glad it was been helpful

[@sophiebure2796]

Thank you 🙏! Great! I already printed everything and start practicing!

[@Chikeola]

Thank you Hearle for the useful information, fun exercises and great laughter :)

[@taniabattello3461]

This was so good, informative & hilarious simultaneously. You nailed it & gave me a good laugh too. Cheers Tania x

[@StageMilk]

Oh that is so lovely Tania. Thanks for letting me know!

[@leodautysimukokoofficial9561]

Thanks Andrew.

[@thakurakanksha32]

It's a really great video, I can feel blood circulation in my mouth muscles

[@lavoxii]

Thank you very much for making such useful video. Those exercises are clear and effective. Top job!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks Susan, really glad it was helpful and thank you for your comment!

[@crabappleshea1189]

Not an actor, but I do have a radio show at my school, thanks!

[@StageMilk]

Well I hope this was helpful all the same!

[@penelopegilli7978]

This has been so helpful! Entertaining too. Thank you 🙏 ☺️ I've been a good girl & liked AND subscribed!

[@marcelinaa214]

this was great, thank you!!

[@danielacaliandro1326]

Thank you so much! Amazing 💖

[@irenepistia]

Thankyou! It helps me!

[@fheurllouex1458]

Thank you so much. GOD bless you

[@oriana963]

I ve seen before but noone as good as You.Keep up the amazing work. Iam starting today with you and pass it to my son also. thank you for sharing

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much! Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@ThailandRed]

Great video! My third day in a row coming back here and practicing these exercises. And you've got a 10/10 voice by the way

[@StageMilk]

So glad it's been helpful!

[@shiskeyoffles]

@Cortney Massoni ah! The good old days of hacking... But thats more than 10 years ago buddy... Much harder to hack now

[@MrTophes]

I agree! 👏🏻

[@gregcasimir8054]

This was great. I am a tv film actor I tend to talk too fast and it kills my dictions so this is a great warmup for my next VO or script!

[@rahulsinghrathore9844]

I share the same habbit; speaking so fast that at times syllables keep dropping. Been trying to slow down and let not even a single sound steal away.

[@smily2848]

My voice is so low...what should i do

[@ipilip2686]

Thank you so much!

[@GeorgieMinterBrown11]

Great tips!! Love the tongue stretchers tip, I do this with my musical theatre students but never thought to use it for acting too!

[@StageMilk]

Yeah definitely great for singers as well! I think people often underestimate the need to warm up as an actor, but the spoken word can be equally challenging and demanding.

[@shivanipandey8208]

Yesss these videos are great for Theatre actors as well. Thank you sir!!

[@miguelrebolledo6291]

This was great, I been tryin to find out about "what can i do to help my child stop stuttering?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Deyarper Especial Dominance - (search on google ) ? It is a great one off product for discovering how to get rid of your stuttering once and for all minus the hard work. Ive heard some great things about it and my neighbour got cool results with it.

[@tatyanaganeli2206]

The stretches are always included as a must for stage speech practise.

[@awalton9024]

This great! I also found that one can increase the difficulty of the exercises by keeping the hands still.

[@mohammadhameed6459]

Does it work. I have problems with clarity does it work

[@VideoMaker1975]

Great! I've been practicing these exercises to improve my english pronouciation. I's been helping me a lot.

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear, and glad it was been a helpful resource!

[@vladimirlyzhin]

Yes, I do exactly the same. And it looks like those exercises really help to strengthen some of the muscles that I do not use speaking my native language (Russian). My jaw, mouth, lips - all of these muscles hurt after that practice. :D Thank you so much for this very useful video!

[@StageMilk]

@@vladimirlyzhin that is so great to hear!

[@ROSITALJ]

Thanks for the docs you included in the description box.

[@StageMilk]

No worries, always here to help!

[@oliviamaiden9093]

This is super useful! Transformed my morning routine.

[@laura1less]

Extremely helpful!! Thank you so much!!

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear!

[@buoyenglish]

Wow! Such a fun video. As an English accent coach this was incredibly useful! Thanks!

[@StageMilk]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rayssarodrigues170]

That's also very helpful to Engish non - native speakers. Such a mater piece for who wanna to improve their clarith whenever they are speaking this language! Thank u for ur incredible video!!

[@StageMilk]

Thank you! Really glad it helped!

[@samydj5400]

Excellent video. Thank you!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much!

[@rozaanaa]

Amazing tips! very useful:)

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

Thanks so much!

[@blu3antman]

Thank you!!

[@sithandiweradeber9528]

Thank you so much.

[@user-iu6pg3oy8q]

This was really helpful, thank you

[@AlphyGacheru]

Will start doing these exercises and will give feedback after like two weeks!

[@poshdelux]

aaaannndddd. any progress?

[@AnnaMaria-oy1fp]

Of course they work. It's not medication.

[@gulzirashamyrbekova3049]

I love it 💪🏻 the most useful video with all the tips in it ❤ thank you

[@StageMilk]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful

[@mssinclair1797]

Finally! I've been looking for ways to improve my vocab and this will do.

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear!

[@galshidvalishaik7114]

Thank you so much 🤗💚

[@kuntaleswararaomvl652]

extraordinary video.🙏

[@RichardThe3]

Great video my friend!

[@thefitmoves]

Thank you! That`s great advice!

[@StageMilk]

Thank you for watching and thanks for the kind words!

[@JeffMesina]

Great exercises! Now time to tackle that tongue twister sprint script!

[@StageMilk]

Haha do it!

[@stephanieshirley9969]

I know this is intended for actors, but I have residual issues with articulation stemming from a brain injury long ago. Very helpful !!!

[@StageMilk]

This was such a lovely message to receive. Glad it was helpful.

[@abepaulx]

Brilliant, that's al I have to say, bloody brilliant!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks Paul, really appreciate it

[@provakarroychy1535]

You're an absolute Life-Saver! 🤩

[@StageMilk]

Glad it helped!

[@Easypeasyincomes]

Awesome Video man!!! Thank you!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks!

[@uchennaorinya5701]

This is very helpful. Thank you!

[@StageMilk]

Thank you!

[@lorriewinget6938]

Thank you for these awesome resources. I am actually an instructional designer and I am trying to perfect my audio and tongue twisters are a real struggle.

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much! Glad it was helpful

[@charlesdowens]

Very cool. Helpful

[@ajinkyakhandare4748]

Than you so much for thia vidio 🙏🙏🙏

[@ghostchigga2333]

i'd be impresed at the first time after you messed up at that words i was dying as hell dude ,thnks anyway you've killed my day

[@wellingtonbosharpe]

Thank you Andrew! Instead of a pencil I've always used a cork. Best to get a flannel while doing that one :)

[@StageMilk]

Haha! Just try not to polish off the bottle before doing the exercises.

[@MoyeFuraha]

Great session! Corks are great as well in place of a pencil.

[@afterschoolgamerz8386]

You should upload more videos on similar topic, your editing and teaching was great.

[@StageMilk]

Great suggestion! New video coming out tonight

[@ilterkapici]

Excellent! Thanks!

[@StageMilk]

You're welcome!

[@TheDramaCoach]

This is a great video - really useful. I’ll definitely be directing students to this!

[@parags9917]

You are great man thanks for helping us..

[@StageMilk]

Thanks mate! Really appreciate the support

[@alxcxasimon]

Thank you

[@rriquelmy3522]

Thanks

[@endalkachewtesfaye2419]

Great!

[@otsana9322]

this is insanely helpful!!!(bit of context btw, I'm Australian) I love drama and I have been taking holiday classes at NIDA and after school classes and I've also done trinity drama through my school and I'm now doing drama for my HSC. Despite all of my immersion in the world of acting and (seemingly) no matter how hard I try, I always get the same feedback that my articulation, pronunciation and enunciation isn't the best. I find that nowadays I'm not really learning many strategies to help improve this aspect of acting BUT now I've found your channel and it looks like it will teach me! anyways thank you so so very much! *^_^* also, are you Australian? your accent kinda sound like it :P

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much! And thank you for sharing and yes we are Aussie

[@pranavsadotra6260]

Great video ..loved it . Worked . Love from India

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much!

[@ainurnaizabekova7904]

Very useful... ! Thanks!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much!!! Glad to hear!

[@mickanvonfootscraymarket5520]

I'm in my second year of training as a professional wrestler. Im watching this for promo and interview skills.

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear! Hopefully some helpful points

[@Karanchaudhary1740]

Thank you!♥️

[@StageMilk]

Thank you!

[@misshauntedpoet]

i’m not an actor or anything but i find this extremely helpful for singing. thank you!

[@StageMilk]

So glad to hear it was helpful!

[@louisewoodhead]

Brill - thank you!

[@StageMilk]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pallabsarkar1787]

Wonder ful sir.

[@StageMilk]

Thank you!

[@harkmay]

I'm a singer and this is revolutionary to me. I should have been doing this stuff years ago!

[@StageMilk]

That is so great to hear! Thank you for letting me know, I really appreciate it!

[@Lovely_toca_official]

Thank you. 👏

[@StageMilk]

You're welcome!

[@sandipansarkar9211]

Great session

[@StageMilk]

Thanks mate!

[@alyssafrancis1199]

Kinda wanna be an actor, but I also have a persuasive speech coming up that my grade depends on. I have a stuttering/annunciation issue so I found this video very useful!

[@StageMilk]

Glad you found the video helpful and really glad to hear you have a passion for acting. Maybe just start exploring acting a little bit to begin with and don't feel you have to jump into doing it as a career straight away - just enjoy the process. And if you keep loving it you can build from there!

[@SnakeAndTurtleQigong]

I feel like it’s worth mentioning, that studies have shown that doing static style stretches of any of our tissues just before a performance actually hampers our mobility and dexterity. So make sure that you avoid doing any static holds or stretches in the mouth or tongue just before needing to perform. It’s better to stick with moving and expressive style openings in the face and speech centers. 😊 🎤 😮

[@StageMilk]

Really interesting do you have any links or the name of the study would love to see more

[@cangenc132]

Hey thanks for the great video! English isn't my first language but my pronunciation is really on point. So my question is İs it possible to achieve something in the English speaking world as a voice-over actor, narrator of some sort or to get a job in the 'speaking' industry? looking forward to your reply)))

[@rohankajaniya1102]

Thank you sir... Really helpful... 🙏

[@StageMilk]

Thank you!

[@mgn6220]

very good video!

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much!

[@SATNAMSINGH-yz2zj]

Thank you🙏🙏

[@StageMilk]

Thank you! Glad it was helpful

[@tamtamz8733]

Love the outtakes from the tongue twisters, lol.

[@StageMilk]

Thanks!

[@affy7ann]

LOL You're hilarious Andrew! Thanks for the tips!

[@StageMilk]

Affy haha thanks Affy!

[@andrerodrigues9068]

thanks andrew

[@StageMilk]

Thanks mate!

[@tanveerkhan743]

Very useful video thanks

[@StageMilk]

So glad to hear you found it helpful!

[@HimanshuKumar-er2bm]

Great work.... practicing daily...lots of love

[@DanielGreen0]

Big improvement?

[@HimanshuKumar-er2bm]

Yes

[@patriciaoneilNYC]

Extremely helpful, thank you and I'll be back

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear!

[@Theangieee]

English as my second language makes me self-conscious. Since I learned English on the go. I never had time to improve my articulation.

[@AaronRaglandTV]

This is the perfect way to do it. Have you practiced with any of these tongue twisters in the video?

[@kevtherev8194]

EXCELLENT

[@StageMilk]

Thank you!

[@patriciaoneilNYC]

I just Googled & Amazon searched 'Bone Prop for Articulation' and the results were Halloween related, bad timing on my part lol. I wrote to The Drama Book Store here in NYC, they'll know what I'm talking about. Thanks for this video again, using it daily to prep for a role.

[@StageMilk]

All the best on the search - I think I got mine from the Morrison Bone Prop company online

[@IDoThingsa]

This guy is amazing! I wanna do voice overs on some of my clips and practicing this I figured I'm just gonna do the automatic thingy :)))

[@IDoThingsa]

hm, still, give it a go man, maybe you can do it eventually

[@IDoThingsa]

you think so? thanks for the encouragement

[@IDoThingsa]

no worries man

[@StageMilk]

Thank you so much! This is definitely super helpful for VO and acting! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@pablortr]

Im gonna try and to these every day for two weeks, (because the other guy who said they'd do this hasn't responded) and then check my progress!

[@StageMilk]

Love this!

[@palaknain8494]

Guess you forgot just as the other guy. :D

[@atharvahalapeti9775]

Amazing Video and tips!

[@atharvahalapeti9775]

IKR

[@atharvahalapeti9775]

YESSSS

[@StageMilk]

Thanks so much!

[@antonnovo695]

This, That or The Other. Tongue twister that helped me as a Russian speaker

[@StageMilk]

Great to hear!

[@rick91443]

Thank you! cheers...rr Normandy, France

[@StageMilk]

Merci x