To breathe or not to breathe—That is the question: An investigation of speech breathing kinematics in world class Shakespearean actors

Anteroposterior diameter changes of the rib cage and abdomen were recorded during respiratory and speaking activities in four adult subjects, three men and one woman, all of whom had extensive dramatic training and experience and were earning their livelihood as professional actors. Data were charted to solve for lung volume, and volume displacements of the rib cage and abdomen. The more vigorous and louder monologue performances by the professional actor subjects differed from other speaking and reading activities in the following parameters of lung volume, separate volumes, relative volume contributions, and the frequent use of respiratory phase transitions. Novice actor subjects' monologue performances are compared to the monologue performances of the professional actor subjects.