Raising and lowering the larynx (Goo + mmm) with tongue out
Control larynx height and the tone of “mmm” independently, even with the tongue tip outside the mouth.
▶ First, watch the movement in the video
Check the technique, then move on to the explanation and audio examples.
Why practice this?
This time we will separate the movements of the tongue and larynx.
This helps distinguish tongue movement from larynx movement, which are easily confused. It also lets you control the larynx more freely when the tongue has been restricting its range of movement.
Exercises and key points
How to combine larynx movement (Goo + mmm) with the tongue out
Extend the tongue tip outside the mouth as if gently holding it between the front teeth, and practice three larynx heights and tone colors.
With the tongue tip gently held between your teeth, hum “mmm” through the nose without letting sound escape through the mouth. This is the reference larynx height for this exercise.
My tongue tip twitches when I hold it between my teeth. Is it okay to continue, or should I return to the introductory and beginner exercises first?
Yes, you can continue. Tongue twitching or strong tension can reveal a habitual attempt to retract the tongue and resist excessive airflow. Alternating these larynx exercises with introductory and beginner practice will improve your ability to combine the parts freely. You will learn to deliberately create a suitable, low-effort airflow through their coordination, without retracting the tongue, and the twitching should gradually settle.
Compared with normal-height Goo “mmm”, keep a wider space in the mouth and throat as if a thick tube passed through, and hum “mmm”. Imagine a deep, thick giant’s voice, as if you were about ten meters taller. Keep the tongue tip against the back of the lower teeth.
In contrast to lowered-larynx Goo “mmm”, press the entire tongue from tip to base against the palate to reduce the space in the mouth and throat, then hum “mmm”. Aim for a bright, piercing tone like a tiny person only a few tens of centimeters tall.
Listen to the examples and try
Keep the volume low and play the examples one at a time to hear the differences between the voices.