How to Sound Like the Charlie Brown Adults

When adults speak in the Charlie Brown TV specials, their unreal voices emphasize their removal from the world of the children. They don't speak actual words, but instead their voices--created by a trombone--are represented by a nasal "mwa mwa" sound that the children seem to understand as English. Imitating the sound of these adults' voices is a fun way to recall the charm of Charlie Brown.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Watch a Charlie Brown movie, paying attention to the scenes where adults speak to the children. The earliest special to use the characteristic "mwa mwa" adult voice was 1967's "You're In Love, Charlie Brown."
2. Imitate the "mwa mwa" sound, made by pursing the lips and then opening them wide while emitting a nasal sound.
3. Note that the adults' voices in the movies seem to speak lines while actually saying no words.
4. Vary the length and pitch of your "mwa mwa" sounds as if you are speaking to another person in a real language.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a trombone, or have access to one, you can also sound like the Charlie Brown adults by using a mute with the instrument.
• It's more fun to do a Charlie Brown adult voice if someone can play Charlie Brown, Linus or Lucy to your teacher or parent.