If your voice is central to your work—whether you're a teacher, performer, speaker, or broadcaster—keeping it healthy is essential. Here, you will find practical, easy-to-follow tips to protect and strengthen your voice, manage strain, and maintain vocal resilience in everyday professional settings.
Maintain healthy vocal folds, stay hydrated, avoid irritants like smoking and alcohol, and manage throat clearing and coughing habits
Effective vocal warm-ups, cool-down techniques, and breath support exercises are key for performance and teaching
Optimal voice projection, breath control, safe vocal range extension, articulation techniques, and efficient use of microphones all contribute to vocal performance without strain
Knowing how to rest the voice after heavy use, when to use total versus modified voice rest, and recognising early signs of vocal fatigue or injury are key to maintaining vocal health
When sick, such as with a cold or laryngitis, it's important to use steam or nebulisers, take medications like antihistamines, PPIs, or steroids when appropriate, and employ strategies for performing or teaching while recovering
Understanding reflux, making dietary and lifestyle changes, managing the impact of acid on the vocal folds, and using appropriate medications are key to effective voice management
Stress can affect the voice, but tension release techniques and mindfulness can help maintain vocal health
Diet, hydration, and avoiding certain foods like caffeine, dairy, and alcohol are important for vocal health before speaking or performing
Managing speaking in noisy environments, dry air, and the vocal demands of long teaching days or performances is crucial for vocal health
Early signs of nodules, polyps, or cysts, such as persistent hoarseness, require seeing a voice specialist (ENT or speech therapist) for a laryngoscopy or voice assessment.
Voice changes with age, maintaining vocal strength, and the impact of hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, andropause) are important to consider for vocal health.
Choosing the right microphones, preventing vocal fatigue in large spaces, and adapting vocal tech for different settings are essential for vocal performance.
Speech and language therapy involves voice therapy for individuals with vocal issues, and includes preventative care programs for performers and teachers.