A (Very) Brief Course in Linguistics!

Join Miranda Guettlein (editor of the Voice and Speech Review) for an empowering introductory course in linguistics designed specifically for voice and speech practitioners. While many practitioners rely on the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as their primary toolkit, a broader understanding of linguistics offers transformative insights for both the studio and the rehearsal room.

In this interactive session, Miranda will break down the six core subfields of linguistics:

• Phonetics & Phonology: How speech sounds are physically produced and organized into patterns.

• Morphology & Syntax: The structure of words, grammar, and sentence architecture.

• Semantics & Pragmatics: How meaning is constructed and how context shapes communication.

Moving beyond theory, Miranda will share practical exercises and pedagogical approaches used in both classroom settings and production coaching with actors. You will explore how a linguistic lens provides clear, actionable answers to common actor questions regarding text analysis, character development, accent adaptation, and directorial notes.

Whether you are working on dialect coaching or general voice work, this session will equip you with demystifying tools that build confidence, deepen text engagement, and inspire a renewed passion for language in both you and your clients.