How to take Care of Your Voice

Here are some tips for vocal hygiene:

Avoid                                                              Do This Instead

Yelling, shouting                                 Use bells, whistles, clapping hands, intercom

Talking in noisy environments            Reduce noise; move to a quieter place

Talking loudly                                     Use a microphone if lecturing. Stand closer to your listener. Use a softer, confidential tone.

Clearing throat and coughing             Sip water or swallow instead.

Talking on insufficient breath             Use pauses and shorter sentences to avoid running out of breath

Exposure to airborne irritants              Avoid smoke, dust, fumes. Use a mask if you have regular exposure to these. If a teacher, ask students to clear chalkboards.

         Avoid                                                                 Do This Instead

Talking excessively if your voice        Rest your voice to prevent real damage.

feels strained or if you are hoarse

             

Tension and stress in the neck,           Try simple relaxation exercises and massage.

jaw and shoulder areas                       

Hard or sudden word beginnings       Start speech softly. Let your words flow together.

Singing at an inappropriate pitch        Sing only if it feels comfortable

or loudness                                         

Using improper muscles for               Your abdomen, not your chest, should expand when

breathing                                             you inhale and contract when you exhale.

Focusing on the throat when              Focus on the mouth and the nose "mask" area when talking.                                               talking

Heartburn or esophageal reflux          Talk to your doctor about treatment.

Becoming dehydrated                        Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.

Buxone How To July 14, 2017