Vocal Athletes

Public Speakers are vocal athletes. Optimal voice production requires a “vocally fit system”.

To prepare the voice to meet public speaking demands:

1. Maintain good health through a well balanced diet, adequate sleep and regular exercise.
2. Maintain a relaxed vocal system by having a good general body relaxation and a manageable “personal stress level”.
3. Maintain adequate hydration levels by drinking 8 glasses (2-3 litres) of non-caffeinated, non -alcohol servings per day.
4. Maintain a good body posture.

Prevent voice injury resulting from high impact of the vocal folds by:

1. Avoiding irritants such as cigarette smoke, dusty and dry environments.
2. Avoiding yelling, cheering and screaming.
3. Avoiding “special effect” vocalizations such as whispering and pitch extremes 4. Avoiding excessive coughing or constant throat clearing 5. Always schedule short periods of vocal rest daily 6. Try to avoid speaking to large groups without a microphone

Don’t demand more of your voice than you would the rest of your body.
Always be cognizant of prolonged vocal symptoms.
Our voices signal intelligence, knowledge, sincerity, emotion and ability.
Having a healthy voice will hold your audience’s attention and help your public speaking instrument to work at a professional performance level.

 

Written by:
Bette Elly Klimitz