Are you using your voice correctly? It's not only singers who develop vocal problems. More and more service personnel who use their voices all day long are suffering from a new syndrome called REPETITIVE VOICE INJURY. Folks in call centers are particularly at risk, especially when they are straining their voices by speaking incorrectly.
If you're a teacher, clergy or salesperson who's on the phone, or using your voice extensively during your work day, you could be at risk for developing this syndrome. Here are a few tips to protect and preserve your voice:
- Keep hydrated! Working in an air conditioned building can dry out your vocal chords.
- Breathe fully! Make sure that you are consciously breathing and actively supporting your voice
- Sit up straight! If you sit while you're speaking or on the phone, make sure that you 'pull up' and maintain your posture.
- Don't push! Trying to speak loudly or 'project' your voice will only lead to strain. Instead, use your breath support for vocal power.
- Use your body voice! Visualize your voice resonating in your body, not your head.
- Relax your jaw! Unclench your jaw and let it drop naturally as you speak.
- Open your mouth! You'll be surprised at how much more volume you'll get from this one simple trick.
- Take breaks! Give your voice a rest. Stop talking when you're not 'on the clock'.
- Get coaching! Most importantly, learn the basic skills that will help you to speak correctly so that you won't suffer from a strained or fatigued voice.
With just a bit of conscious effort and some basic voice coaching you'll be able to avoid Repetitive Voice Injury.
For more information on Voice Coaching and avoiding vocal injury, see my website articles at vivalavoice.com
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