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
  

Disclaimer: This publication is designed for the information of patients. Whilst every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, the information contained may not be comprehensive and patients should not act upon it without seeking professional advice. Last updated: November 2012 - Review due: November 2015 Copyright © 2010 ENT•UK 09007