Acting Techniques Glossary

noun a facial expression that does not show any emotion, typically used in poker to deceive opponents

• She maintained a stoic poker face throughout the entire business negotiation.
• I can never tell if Sarah is bluffing or not because she always has her poker face on.
• I had my poker face on during the exam so the teacher wouldn't suspect I was cheating.
• Despite the chaos around her, she kept a poker face and remained calm and collected.

noun a person's facial expression showing no emotion or amusement

adjective having a serious or composed expression on the face

• Despite the shocking news, he maintained a straight face during the meeting.
• I couldn't keep a straight face when she told that joke.
• He was trying to act cool, but he couldn't hold a straight face.
• She told such a ridiculous story that I couldn't help but burst out laughing, unable to keep a straight face.

verb to express or articulate something through speech or sound

• It is important for singers to properly vocalize before a performance.
• I always vocalize in the shower before singing in public.
• I heard you like to vocalize in the car when your favorite song comes on.
• The protesters used their voices to vocalize their demands for change.

adjective describing someone who speaks in a quiet, unclear, or muffled manner

• The speaker was criticized for being mumbly during the presentation.
• I couldn't understand what she was saying because she was being all mumbly.
• Why are you being so mumbly? Speak up!
• His mumbly demeanor made it hard for others to connect with him.

noun a distinctive way of pronouncing a language, especially one associated with a particular country, area, or social class

verb to emphasize or give special attention to something

adjective having a particular kind of accent

• The linguist studied the different accents spoken in the region.
• I love listening to people's accents when they tell stories.
• Her accent is so lit, I could listen to her talk all day.
• The artist used different colors to create accents in the painting.