Reading with mouth closed

Strengthening internal projection and resonators.

This often underestimated exercise is a powerful tool for voice placement and resonant awareness.

It consists of reading a text aloud but keeping the lips completely sealed.

The sound produced will be a low, continuous hum or murmur, similar to a steady "M", but the speaker must try, internally, to articulate each vowel and consonant with as much energy as possible.

By blocking the natural exit of air through the mouth, the sound pressure is forced to seek alternative escape routes, directing the vibration toward the bony structures of the face and skull (the resonators).

This teaches the speaker to feel the voice in the facial "mask", improving projection without throat effort.

It is an internal struggle for intelligibility where, although the words are not understood from the outside, the internal muscular effort is intense and directed.

Awareness of the tongue and palate

During closed-mouth reading performance, attention should be focused on the vigorous movement of the tongue and the elevation of the soft palate within the closed oral cavity.

Since the lips cannot be separated, the tongue must work twice as hard to form the vowels and lingual consonants, hitting the teeth and palate with precision.

After a few minutes of practice (it is recommended not to exceed 5 minutes due to fatigue), when opening the mouth and reading normally, a greater amplitude is perceived in the oral cavity.

The internal space feels larger, which gives the voice a rounder and more professional resonance.

This exercise helps break the habit of speaking with the mouth "squashed" or with little internal space, a common vice that results in flat, nasal voices.

Summary

Keeping lips sealed while reading strengthens vocal placement. The sound should vibrate on facial bone resonators improving projection without throat strain.

This exercise requires vigorous tongue and soft palate movement. Blocking the natural output generates an intense internal struggle for intelligibility.

After practicing for a few minutes, greater oral amplitude is perceived. The voice acquires a round and professional resonance, eliminating habits of speaking with little internal space.