Smith Accent TechniqueA Holistic Therapy Approach

51 Pages·2010·0.62 MB·English

by  Aliaa Khidr

Smith Accent Technique
A Holistic Therapy Approach
Smith Accent Technique
Pre-requisites for
Providing voice therapy
Smith Accent Technique
The Scientific background
Breathing For Speech and Song
• Muscular Forces during expiratory phase of
speech:
– Earlier View:
- Rib Cage( internal intercostals): primary
motor elements
- Abdominal ms. : only active in
- loud speech
- near the end of the expiratory phase
Breathing For Speech and Song
- Current Research:
1. Abdominal muscles are continuously active throughout the
expiratory phase of speech breathing
- The inward abdominal displacement
- Produces volume displacement in the
expiratory direction
- Generates/ regulates expiratory subglottal pressure
for speech and song.
- Optimize expiratory function of the ribcage.
(Watson and hixon 2001, Kent, 1997,
Hixon and Weismer 1995)
Breathing For Speech and Song
2. Abdominal muscles show decrements in its activity
during the inspiratory phases of some speech
breathing cycles.
- These brief decrements were associated with
momentary decrease in the impedence offered by the
abdomen, allowing diaphragmatic contraction during
inspiration  leading to
Outward displacement of the abdominal wall
(Hoit et al, 1988)
Smith Accent Technique
Background
Charachteristics
Background Information about the
Smith Accent (SA) Technique
• Development:
In 1936 by Sven Smith, a Danish Phoniatrician.
• Potential clients:
A wide variety of patients with voice
disorders, ranging from functional
dysphonia up to vocal fold paralysis.
Main Characteristics of SA
• Addresses voice problems in a holistic
manner.
– Focuses On : breathing and phonation,
– Continuously Modifies : posture,
articulation, and resonance.
Main Characteristics of SA
• Teaches active contraction of the
abdominal muscles through rhythmic
exercises of gradually increasing speed.
– Largo (slow speed)
– Andante (medium speed)
– Allegro (fast Speed)