The Accent Method of Voice Therapy

Book excerpt: The title of this book, The Accent Method of Voice Therapy, was intriguing in its promise of a new look at voice intervention. The book is supplemented by audiotaped examples of Dr. Kotby's accent method of voice therapy. In his book, Dr. Kotby moves easily and well through the traditional classification and management of voice disorders. His discussion of management, which is well referenced by internationally known voice professionals, includes diagnosis, treatment, phonosurgery techniques, pharmacotherapy, behavior read justment strategies, and vocal hygiene advice. Dr. Kotby introduces the accent method as a holistic process for voice therapy that involves integration of abdominodiaphragmatic breathing, body movements, and voice rhythms, as reportedly used with West African drum rhythms. The audiotapes demonstrate the use of monosyllables and multisyllables in concert with breath support and rythmic variation of pitch and intensity. The accent method is recommended by Dr. Kotby for managing most organic and functional voice disorders, vocal problems of professional voice users, and several speech and language disorders: dysarthria, stuttering, delayed language development, and prosody problems in hearing-impaired children.