Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #8 of 8 – Smoking
Our last tip involves smoking. In a nutshell . . . don’t! No. 8: Smoking is the leading cause of laryngeal cancer. At the very least, smoking irritates tissues used for singing and talking. Don’t smoke!
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #7 of 8 – Frequent Heartburn
Next: Frequent heartburn, which may be an indicator of GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) No. 7: Frequent heartburn and a sour taste may mean stomach acids are spilling over into your larynx, which may lead to voice problems. If you experience these symptoms, avoid high-acid foods and late-night eating. Elevate your head with extra pillows or […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #6 of 8 – Clearing Throat/ Coughing
Next: Clearing your throat constantly, or coughing – like using sandpaper on your vocal folds. No. 6: Repeatedly clearing the throat or coughing may irritate vocal fold tissues. Sipping water, swallowing or sucking on a cough drop may ease the irritation in the throat
Holy Week 2022 – There is Hope
For those of us who are Christians, this is a somber week, as we remember the betrayal, agony, murder, then resurrection of Jesus. “He was despised and rejected— a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.” […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #5 of 8 – Medications
Next: Medications No. 5: Some medications lead to dehydration of the vocal folds. Antihistamines, taken for colds or allergies, shrink swollen membranes and reduce saliva and mucous production. These medications lessen the discomforts of the cold, but dry the vocal tissues. If you are taking medications that dehydrate, drink lots of water and other fluids. […]
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #4 of 8 – Caffeine & Alcohol
Next: Caffeine & Alcohol No. 4: Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate vocal folds, which can make it more difficult to keep them vibrating. Drink plenty of water to combat their drying effects. For example, for every mug of coffee you ingest, drink at least one 8-oz. glass of water
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #3 of 8 – Stress
Our next tip deals with STRESS! No. 3: Stress can lead to forceful voice production, resulting in possible tissue damage. Relaxation techniques can improve your voice and allow you to speak more effectively and longer. Try stretching shoulder, neck and facial muscles periodically; slow, deep breaths also may help.
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #2 of 8 – Hoarseness
This week we look at hoarseness. No, not that kind of horse! No. 2: Hoarseness or breathiness may signal a voice disorder. If either symptom persists for more than two weeks, call a physician or speech-language pathologist.
Tips to Keep You Talkin’ (and Singin’) – #1 of 8 – Speaking Loudly
Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing tips for healthy vocal production from the National Center of Voice and Speech. For those of you who have taken lessons with me, most of these will sound very familiar! Today we start with . . . No. 1: Speaking loudly or over long periods may lead […]
Practice Tip #2: Warm Up
2. Warm up – Stretch-Stand-Breathe-Sing. Singing is physical, and a warmup for body and voice is essential. It’s good to have 4-5 standard vocal warmups – the ones you like best – but make sure you engage your brain as you engage your body so you can be present in your practice! Amy MacKenzie suggests: […]
