LOOKING AFTER YOUR VOICE (Vocal Hygiene Advice)
Hydration
Maintain hydration with 1.5-2 litres water a day
Drink plenty of water/juice in small amounts at regular intervals throughout the day
Position bowls of water near radiators around the house to humidify the air
Use non-vocal sounds
Other signals such as sound (clap whistle, bell) or visual (raised hand)
Posture
Be aware of posture when speaking
Aim for alignment of the body
Relax shoulders and neck
Practise simple relaxation techniques.
Voice
Warm up your voice before prolonged use by humming gently or doing some vocal exercises
Position yourself close to other person and face them
Breathe from the diaphragm
Pause regularly to take in enough air
Use a lower pitch of voice to gain children’s attention
Reduce background noise.
Use a microphone
Have a period of voice rest as often as possible
Learn to be sensitive to the early signs of vocal fatigue. Stop talking before it's too late
Take time off work to allow for recovery
Use other methods of communication whenever possible
Avoid
Avoid clearing your throat/coughing habitually
Avoid smoking and smoky atmospheres
Avoid dusty or fume-filled atmospheres e.g. chalk dust
Avoid excessive caffeine
Avoid menthol or glycerine cough sweets
Avoid using voice if it feels tired or strained
NB If you have prolonged hoarseness (over six weeks) you should be seen by a doctor
Alasdair Mace 2008