Voice Care

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