If you’ve ever lost your voice or suffered from hoarseness, you’ll know just how frustrating and disrupting a voice disorder can be.
Other forms of voice disorders may present as vocal fatigue, huskiness, unusual changes in pitch or a total loss of voice.
According to UCLH, the cost of voice disorders to the British economy is estimated to be £200 million a year. Yet, unless you’re a professional actor or singer, it’s likely that you won’t receive any formal training in how to protect and use your voice effectively.
Prevention is always better than cure so here are some things you can do today to protect your voice:
- Avoid shouting and noisy environments where you have to strain to be heard
- Quit smoking and vaping (even better is never to start)
- Avoid excessive use of your voice and make sure you have plenty of rest
- Avoid dry or dusty environments (air conditioning can often dry out the voice)
- Cut down on diary, chocolate, alcohol and caffeine (which can either dry out the voice or cause excessive mucus)
- Stay well hydrated
If you lose your voice, it’s important that you seek medical attention. You will most likely be instructed to rest your voice over a period of time. Even though it can be frustrating not being able to speak, using your voice when it needs rest can cause lasting damage so it’s a good idea to communicate by writing everything down using a pen and paper.
Steaming is one of the best things you can do to care for your voice. Boil a kettle and fill a bowl with hot water. Then lean over the top of the bowl with a towel over your head and breathe in the steam. Just make sure you don’t add anything to the water which could potentially dry out the voice.
There is a product called ‘Vocalzone’ on the market which claims to relieve voice irritations. I used them once when I was suffering from hoarseness, but I didn’t find them as effective as simply gargling with salt water which always works wonders.
Voice Training in LAMDA
Before you use your voice for a long time, it’s essential that you warm it up. This is where LAMDA training or working with a voice coach can be hugely beneficial.
Tension and poor posture sabotage the voice. I share exercises and games with my students which release any unnecessary tension within the body and encourage a posture which supports the voice.
My students also learn how to breathe correctly – from their diaphragm, not their chest. They also learn about the organs of articulation and the voice resonators within the human body. They learn how to project their voice appropriately to the space and how to use the breath to ‘support’ the voice.
At Grade 6, students are assessed on this knowledge as part of their Acting, Speaking Verse & Prose or Speaking in Public LAMDA exam. However, it is my belief that all students should be aware of this knowledge as part of their LAMDA training so even introduce my youngest students to voice care techniques in their weekly lessons.
One of our Most Important Assets
Our voices are one of our most important assets. Not providing our voice with enough care can cause lasting damage. Our voices are important instruments through which we express and communicate our thoughts and feelings to others.
I believe that voice care and training should be taught in schools from a young age. Learning how to use your voice effectively is also lifelong skill which sets individuals apart in an increasingly competitive world.
If you or your child would like to learn how to use their voice through LAMDA, Get in touch to find out how I can help you or your child master this important lifelong skill.
