WHATS THE PURPOSE OF CHARACTER VOICES?
There are two prevalent misconceptions about the purpose and method of creating character voices. One is the attempt to create character voices by changing the throat. Storytellers often strive to create a distinctive sound, and they usually do this purely by using the throat. That can stress their voices and ultimately cause harm. And, because it neglects the most meaningful purpose of character voices, it fails to advance the story to its fullest. The other confusion is that people try to do what actors need to, rather than what storytellers need to do. Acting is based on creating illusion. When you’re acting, you want me, as your audience, to be able to squint my eyes a little bit and imagine that I’m seeing you as Napoleon or as the old woman. Therefore, anything that gets in the way of that illusion is a problem. If I – a middle-aged man – were acting the role of an old woman, my beard and low voice would interfere with the illusion! Therefore, I would need makeup. I would also ne
