Voice Care

Tips for Good Vocal Health

Establishing and maintaining good voice care habits is the best way to care of your voice. Following are tips on how to maintain good vocal health.

Don’t:

• Clear your throat vigorously.
• Yell, cheer, or scream. Avoid talking in noisy situations: (e.g., at noisy parties).
• Try to lecture or speak to large audiences without the aid of a sound amplifier.
• Speak beyond a natural breath cycle: avoid squeezing out the few words of thought without sufficient breath.
• Special effects sounds with your voice (motor noises, cartoon voices, very high or low pitch sounds, etc.
• Use your voice extensively when you have a cold.
• Expose your throat to excessive pollution: cigarette smoke, chemical fumes, etc. Avoid alcohol.
• Ignore prolonged symptoms of vocal strain, hoarseness, or throat pain.

Do:

• Drink frequent sips of water to moisturize your throat.
• Maintain proper moisture in your throat. Smoke dries the throat.
• Drink plenty of non-caffeinated, non-alcoholic beverages
• Move close enough to the person you are talking with to be heard without yelling.
• Reduce background noise.
• Always face the person(s) you are talking to.
• Use a microphone for public speaking.
• Rest your voice, with the rest of your body, when you are ill or tired.
• Consult your doctor if you experience throat discomfort or hoarseness for more than fourteen days.