[frshtrx]

maybe if you provided a link to where you've heard of someone "says they automate every syllable in the vocal passage", then it could be clarified?

technically, by applying any effect over the length of a track it has been 'automated on every syllable"...
if someone had to go the length of adding control points for a volume envelope on every word on a track, chances are the source recording sucked or they've got limited skills regarding other ways to more efficiently attack whatever the problem may be...maybe both.

So, unless you have an understanding of the conversation and the perspective of the person saying it, it's just f.u.d...