Seven habits for a healthy voice

Is your voice integral to your work? If you have to teach, present or record anything for your work then it probably is. So take notice of these tips for professional voice users to help you sound your best every time you need to speak.

If you have to teach, present or record anything for your work then you need to keep your voice in shape.

Warm up your voice

• A voice warmup is to a speaker what stretching is to an athlete. It prepares the muscles and helps prevent injury.

Watch what you drink

• Alcohol and caffeine can be irritants, so choose water and herbal teas over these.

• Drink water to stay hydrated.

Avoid irritants

• Smoking has a major detrimental impact on vocal performance. Quit or cut down.

• Dusty, dry air and chemical irritants can also impact your voice. Avoid them.

Don’t strain your voice

• Shouting over loud music or in crowds can strain the voice. 

• Avoid yelling when upset.

Eat well

• Avoid foods that give you reflux.

• Give yourself some time to digest your food before going to bed at night.

Take it easy on those vocal cords

• Try not to clear your throat. Sip water instead.

• Avoid talking or even whispering when you have a sore throat.

Stay healthy

• Good diet, exercise, and sleep habits will support a great sounding voice.

• Tension, depression and stress can impact your sound.

For more resources about voice presentation coaching for writers, contact Jen.