Recently, I woke up to a raspy voice on the day after I delivered a full day workshop. Why was my throat so sore and my voice not its usual self? Maybe it had something to do with how I had taken for granted my most valuable asset as a speaker – my voice.
With so much thought and energy given to the content and delivery of my presentation, I had neglected the very instrument through which I was to deliver to my audience. Many of us do know, on a subconscious level, our audiences do judge us by our voices. Our personality, competence, and even leadership ability comes through in our voice, so it is in our best interest to keep 
it healthy.
Based on the book, Full Voice: The Art of Practice of Vocal Presence by vocal coach and singer Barbara McAfee, here are five recommendations to support a more powerful and healthy voice:
- Drink lots of water. Your vocal chords need to stay hydrated to vibrate and function the way they are supposed to.
- Breathe deeply. Practice diaphragmatic breathing regularly, as insufficient breath causes tension in your throat.
- Use good posture. Standing tall improves airflow and enables effective breathing.
- Release tension around your neck, throat, and jaw area with stretching or massage. Big, open yawns and neck rolls throughout your day can help release tightness and open up the natural flow of your voice.
- Rest your voice. Rest your voice before and after long speaking events. During a long speaking event, alternate speaking with participant activities. Avoid yelling – use a microphone if your audience size will cause a strain on your voice.
Think of your voice as your instrument. Keeping it well tuned and healthy will improve its strength, stamina, and flexibility. And most importantly, your audiences will find you easy to listen to and your message will be heard.
(For more information and videos on exercises to expand your vocal presence, check out Barbara’s website: http://www.fullvoice.net .)
Good tips Sonja. Thanks. At one of my half-day training sessions, I worked with a sound engineer who was recording the event.
One of the best tips I’ve received can from the sound guy. He noticed that in addition to water, I drank coffee during some audience activities. He advised me to never drink coffee during a presentation but instead choose luke warm water. The hot coffee caused my vocal chords to constrict negatively impacting my voice.
I agree with the tips and with Mary’s additions. In addition to room-temperature water I like to drink green tea or herbal tea, either plain or with honey.
From my Chi Gong and Tai Chi practice, I work to maintain a rooted stance – feet shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent, hips aligned, shoulders relaxed, crown of my head raised, facial muscles relaxed (smile), and use belly breathing.
From my voice lessons I work to project from the diaphragm and keep my throat open. I like to work with a co-facilitator, which provides variety for participants and breaks when I can sit, while still actively engaged.
When presenting with slides, I give participants time to read and then add my comments. It reduces the temptation and need to read the slides out loud; in fact research shows that retention goes down when people have to listen and read at the same time.
I also intersperse individual, pair, and small group activities throughout sessions to increase participation. It also reduces the amount of presenting I do.
Getting enough sleep and exercise is also key.
All of these practices help me keep my instrument fine tuned.