Acoustic features and skin vibration of Mandarin broadcaster

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Broadcasters generally have voice quality perceived as appealing or better than average speakers(e.g. Bele, 2007). It is contended that these broadcasters may have a better control of voice production as a result of self-awareness or training (Schneider & Sataloff, 2007).Although it is not clear what exactly a better control of voice production means, it is hypothesized that it involves an easy phonation with a good resonance. This study investigated whether professional broadcasters showed a higher degree of resonatory vibration in the head and neck areas when compared with novice. METHOD: Thirty two broadcasters (17 males and 15 females, aged from 20 to 24 years) with a 3-4 year history of professional broadcasting training, were recruited to participate in the study. Their voice (including vowels, rhymes, a poem, and a passage) was first recorded and assessed together with the vibration signals from three accelerometer sensors placed on the thyroid, chin, and nasal bridge. Thirty seven participants (16 males and 21 females, aged from 20 to 26 years) with no experience in broadcasting (novice group) were recruited as control subjects to perform the same recording task. RESULTS/DISCUSSION: The broadcasters could speak in more than one mode (natural, broadcasting, or resounding mode), and the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) of the recordings of broadcasters was significantly higher than novice group. Data on other acoustic measures and skin vibration measures will also be discussed.