miller voice method
One of the most distinctive features of Miller Voice Method (mVm) is the emphasis on acting with the lips unsealed. Many of us have a fear of being a “mouth breather”—and for good reason. Mouth breathing is not optimal at rest, for a number of physiological reasons. But there are some cases when it can work for you. Here are a few reasons I advocate mouth-breathing on stage and film—and there are, of course, always exceptions.
It looks and feels more vulnerable
Try filming yourself doing the same scene, once where you close your mouth at the end of every line, and once where you leave it open. You’ll see a marked difference right away. With the lips unsealed, there’s a sense that you can be more affected by whatever’s coming at you—even by your own thoughts. There’s also a sense that the energy of the line continues after you say it—you’re searching your partner for a response.It activates your sympathetic nervous system
Mouth breathing (gently) activates the flight-or-fight part of your autonomic nervous system. This energizes your body and mind and puts you in a more reactive state. It’s the nervous system equivalent of coming a little forward onto the balls of your feet.It doesn’t telegraph “I’m done”
Imagine two actors on stage engaged in a dialogue. Both close their mouths as soon as their lines are over. On a subconscious level, the audience starts to get ahead of the action. But if both actors leave their mouths slightly parted, the audience doesn’t know what’s coming next—and the actors stay in a perpetual state of being ready to speak. This keeps audience and actors in a state of higher anticipation.
I often show this clip of Paapa Essiedu’s ‘To be or not to be’ speech as a brilliant example of open-mouthed breathing—his lips never close. One student put it perfectly: “He’s not just talking how he feels, he’s breathing how he feels.” And that’s the best reason of all—when you breathe through your mouth, there’s a sense that the breath becomes a part of your spoken expression, just as much as the words.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of vocal techniques and performance, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to delve into the intriguing world of the Miller Voice Method (mVm). Over the years, I have explored and honed my understanding of various methodologies, but the distinctive features of the Miller Voice Method have captivated me due to its emphasis on a seemingly unconventional approach – acting with the lips unsealed.
The Miller Voice Method challenges the conventional wisdom surrounding mouth breathing, a phenomenon often associated with rest and relaxation. Contrary to common physiological considerations, this method introduces a unique perspective, suggesting that there are instances where allowing the lips to remain unsealed can enhance the expressive power of one's voice and contribute to a more captivating performance on stage and film.
Let's dissect the key concepts embedded in the provided article:
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Lips Unsealed for Vulnerability: The article advocates for leaving the lips unsealed during performance, arguing that it creates a heightened sense of vulnerability. This claim is supported by the suggestion to film oneself performing a scene both with closed and open lips. The assertion is that leaving the lips unsealed fosters a deeper connection with the emotions and thoughts, creating a more authentic and affecting portrayal.
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Activation of the Sympathetic Nervous System: Another intriguing aspect of the Miller Voice Method is its connection to the autonomic nervous system. The article suggests that gentle mouth breathing activates the sympathetic nervous system, akin to the flight-or-fight response. This activation is said to energize both body and mind, fostering a more reactive and engaged state during performance.
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Avoiding Telecommunication of "I'm Done": The article explores the impact of mouth behavior on audience perception. It argues that actors closing their mouths immediately after delivering lines can subconsciously signal to the audience that the action is concluded. In contrast, leaving the mouths slightly parted maintains a sense of readiness, keeping both actors and the audience in a state of heightened anticipation.
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Integration of Breath with Expression: Perhaps the most profound aspect of the Miller Voice Method is the notion that breathing through the mouth becomes an integral part of spoken expression. The article cites an example of Paapa Essiedu's 'To be or not to be' speech, where the actor's lips never close. This continuous open-mouthed breathing is described as a way to breathe how one feels, emphasizing that breath itself becomes a crucial element of spoken expression alongside words.
In conclusion, the Miller Voice Method challenges traditional norms and introduces a unique approach to vocal performance, advocating for the intentional use of unsealed lips as a means to enhance vulnerability, activate the sympathetic nervous system, maintain audience engagement, and integrate breath into spoken expression. This method, as described in the article, showcases the nuanced relationship between physiological elements, emotional resonance, and the art of acting.
