Why making weird faces is a bad idea: The end of the demented bunny rabit

Have you ever had a voice teacher tell you to  smile as you approach the top, or even to make the " crazy bunny rabbit face"? Chances are that you have. What happens when you "smile" at an anatomical level is that you are flexing you Zygomatic muscles (highlighted in red) Unfortunately, these muscles have nothing to do with producing sound and when flexed have the negative side effect of spreading your lips thereby spreading the sound. So then, why do so many voice teachers encourage this practice?


 Try this:  at your computer, attempt to curl down just your pinky finger. Most likely you found that your ring finger also wanted to curl down. Now try this. Curl down your pinky finger and  intentionally simultaneously curl down your ring finger. That was much easier wasn't it?



The flexing of the Zygomatic muscles  has a similar effect on your soft palate as your ring finger has on your pinky finger. 

When the brain sends signals to the Zygomatic muscles, it also sends signals to the soft palate. So the use of this technique can come in handy for sure, as it helps you keep your soft palate raised. But, here i where it has it's downfall. The flexing of this muscle, spreads your sound, AND makes you look like a constipated goat. This trick is simiply that, a trick. It gives you the illusion of control over your voice when really you still don't know how to keep your soft palate raised. It also severely limits your ability to be expressive with your face, every facial position begins to look demented at least and hideous at best.

IF this technique was the ONLY way to make sure your soft palate stayed raised, then I would understand its practice but it isn't. With practice you can teach yourself to keep your soft palate raised without engaging the zygomatic muscles. just like you can teach yourself to curl only your pinky, or make the "live long and prosper" vulcan hand gesture.

Why make that crazy face, when you can achieve the same result without it AND not spread the sound at the same time!

Live Long and Prosper!

Larz the Larynx