Sprechstimme is a German term that refers to a style of vocal delivery, often used in avant-garde music and theater. Sprechstimme involves a combination of spoken and sung elements, with the singer using a speech-like rhythm to convey the text. In English, some synonyms for sprechstimme might include "speaking voice," "intoned speech," or "dramatic recitation." Other terms that are sometimes used to describe similar vocal styles include "half-singing," "speech-song," or "parlando." While sprechstimme is a specific technique that originated in the German expressionist movement, these other terms describe similar techniques that are found in various forms of contemporary music and performance art.