X
This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz. Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources.
This article has been viewed 42,862 times.
Find your natural dynamic speaking or singing voice and maintain it! Learn how to easily prevent vocal fatigue by choosing healthy habits for your voice, body and soul!
Steps
Breathe. Oxygen is the ultimate source of energy and essential for the proper functioning of your vocal instrument. Take long deep breaths, filling up your lungs from the bottom up as often as possible. After you breathe deeply, apply a little bit of pressure from your diaphragm to project your voice effortlessly. To understand how to use your diaphragm correctly, pretend that you are blowing candles on a birthday cake. The downward motion felt in the abdomen is the diaphragm engaging. Just a little bit of pressure is necessary to support the voice. Let your belly out when inhaling and always push down slightly (not in) while exhaling.[1]
Find your natural speaking voice placement.[2] The placement and pitch of your voice should sit in the middle of your range. Be mindful of not speaking too low, too high, too nasal or with rasp. To find your natural dynamic voice, answer a few questions positively with “Mmmm”. There you go! That is your natural pitch. Try to speak at that level most of the time.Advertisement
Slow down your speech and enunciate. Take time to pause often in order to take long deep breaths. Slowing down your speech and carefully enunciating allows your instrument to align itself and relax open its resonance chamber.
Stay hydrated. Drink 5 to 6 bottles of water a day to maintain the elasticity of your vocal cords.[3] This is the daily recommended amount. Avoid drying agents such as caffeinated drinks and soda. Gargle water to hydrate and massage your throat instantly!
Listen to your voice and body actively. Try to pick up on signs of vocal fatigue early and be pro-active. Rasp, the frequent need to clear the throat, change in tone, and soreness are evident signs of irritation. If you notice these, pause and take a moment to realign yourself.[4]
Take good care of your health.[5] Do not smoke or use drugs, eat healthy, and exercise regularly. To protect yourself from catching the common cold or flu, wash your hands often and keep them away from your face. Consult your family doctor or an ear, nose and throat specialist if vocal issues continue for more than 3 weeks or other health concerns.
Rest your voice. Try not to speak between lectures or long periods of vocal usage at work, especially when you feel vocal fatigue or you are getting sick.[6] Stay home if you catch a cold or the flu and do not talk!
Avoid talking over a crowd. Demand silence from your audience before initiating a lecture. Wait for quiet environments for private conversations as opposed to clubs for example.[7]
Love your voice. Learn to love your voice! Completely let go of the ego and accept that it's OK to make mistakes and that we cannot be perfect all the time. Proper guidance, solid technique and daily practice should fix any concerns you may have. Determination and perseverance will take you a long way. Set realistic goals for yourself, create opportunities and go after what you want in life. Only you can do it. You can make it happen!
Educate yourself on the speaking voice and seek professional advice if problems persist. Read books, blogs and take vocal lessons with a singing teacher or speech therapist. Make an appointment with an ear, nose and throat Specialist if you have concerns about damage to your vocal cords.
Find your natural dynamic singing voice and maintain it.Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search
- QuestionHow do you ruin your voice?
Patrick MuñozPatrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
Voice & Speech CoachScreaming from your throat is hard on your voice, as is drinking heavily and talking over music. Both can make you lose your voice very fast. - QuestionWhat foods are bad for your voice?Patrick MuñozPatrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
Voice & Speech CoachEating acidic foods and drinking too much milk can both give you indigestion, which is one of the worst things for your voice. If your voice is ever tired or hoarse, it's a really good idea to drink some warm water with honey, lemon, and even some apple cider vinegar to clear things out. Always make sure you drink plenty of water. - QuestionAre there any exercises I can do to care for my voice?Patrick MuñozPatrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association.
Voice & Speech CoachThe best thing you can do is yawn and let out a big sigh, as both allow your vocal cords to expand and stretch. By yawning and sighing, you're opening up your throat and you're relaxing your muscles. You can also try massaging your jaw. By massaging the sides of your jaw, you're opening up that space in your mouth and you're relaxing those muscles.
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
SubmitAdvertisement
References
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ https://health.clevelandclinic.org/10-ways-to-save-your-voice/
- ↑ Patrick Muñoz. Voice & Speech Coach. Expert Interview. 12 November 2019.
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
- ↑ https://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/taking-care-your-voice
About this article
Patrick Muñoz
Voice & Speech Coach
This article was co-authored by Patrick Muñoz. Patrick is an internationally recognized Voice & Speech Coach, focusing on public speaking, vocal power, accent and dialects, accent reduction, voiceover, acting and speech therapy. He has worked with clients such as Penelope Cruz, Eva Longoria, and Roselyn Sanchez. He was voted LA's Favorite Voice and Dialect Coach by BACKSTAGE, is the voice and speech coach for Disney and Turner Classic Movies, and is a member of Voice and Speech Trainers Association. This article has been viewed 42,862 times.
How helpful is this?
Co-authors: 7
Updated: March 4, 2023
Views: 42,862
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 42,862 times.
Reader Success Stories
"This is amazing. Love it."
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.
Advertisement
