Articulate: The Spaces Between

English is a pretty efficient language. It demands little of us and allows all sorts of diction before it becomes unintelligible.

It is perhaps for this reason that we neglect the elegance possible in this language. The beauty of the spaces between.

The space between an /s/ at the end of a word and the vowel that begins the next word — That space where the /z/ sound vibrates just so, coming to a complete end before it breeches the vowel thereby reenergizing the sentence.

Words ending in /d/ or /t/ where the sound isn’t truly necessary in order to be understood in everday speech but, which create loft and generosity of air just the same.

When what we desire is not just to be intelligible but to be understood, dynamic, and authoritative. When what we desire is to connect through the use of words, we must take time to observe those spaces between.

Finally, a sentence to practice very slowly: As I walked through the vines of distraction, I slowly found voice within.

Gina Razón is the principal voice specialist at GROW Voice LLC, a full-service voice and speech studio in Boston’s Back Bay.  She has over 16 years of experience both as a teacher of voice and speech, and a voraciously curious voice user.  Gina has worked professionally as a classical singer for over a decade and more recently as a professional public speaker.  For more information on the studio or to book Gina visit www.growvoice.com.