When does sibilance occur?

Sibilance occurs when certain consonant sounds, particularly 's', 'sh', 'z', and 'ch', are pronounced with a hissing or hushing quality. It is often found in speech and singing, where these sounds can create a sharp, piercing effect that stands out. Sibilance can be used intentionally for artistic effect in poetry and music but may also require careful management in audio production to prevent harshness.