Voice Dynamic Newsletter Inside & Outside Factors Affecting the Voice |
Dear Nancy, Let me begin by wishing you blessings for a Happy Holiday Season and a Wonderful New Year. As much I talk about the speaking voice, breathing, color, volume, and the like, I wanted to describe outside and 'inside' factors that can affect the voice negatively. 1. Lack of sleep. In the Spring I spoke to two groups of Toastmasters in Detroit; and, in watching the video of that presentation, I was horrified to hear my voice. My pitch was lower than normal and I sounded tired. In analyzing the situation, I realized that I had gotten up at 3:00 am in order to catch a 5:45 am flight. I was tired. Getting only 4 hours of sleep when I normally get 6 to 6-1/2 hours resulted in a voice that showed my fatigue. 2. Poor Nutrition. A good diet, including the 4 food groups, does more for the voice than you can imagine. We all know (or should know) that our bodies function best with proper nutrition and that goes for the vocal cords as well. They are an organ and should be treated as such. 3. Excessive Yelling. Stop shouting and learn how to project your voice. You will have more of it by the end of the day as well as more energy! 4. Smoking and Outside Air Quality. Smoking is bad for the voice as well as everything else! It affects the vocal cords and throat by causing irritation. The same is true of the outside air quality. People who live around polluted areas suffer sinus allergies more often than those who do not. Allergies create post-nasal drip which irritates the throat. 5. Excessive Drinking. Those who imbibe heavily will also notice a difference in their speaking voice. You can drink but don't overdo it! Take care of your voice and it will last a lot longer. Learn to breathe and find your 'real' voice and it will last forever! |