Speech rates in french expressive speech

Abstract

Expressive speech is a useful tool in cinema, theater and contemporary music. In this paper we present a study on the influence of expressivity on the speech rates of a French actor. It involves a relational database containing expressive and neutral spoken French. We first describe the analysis partly based on a unit-selection Text-to-Speech system. The range of data permits a statistical approach to the speech rate. A dynamic description of the French speech rate is offered which demonstrates its evolution in speech. Finally, several results are given concerning pauses and breathing that help to distinguish between anger and happiness.