Voice Conservation

• Drink six to eight glasses of water a day.  Water keeps the vocal cords flexible making it easier to speak.
  
  
• Take sips of water when you are speaking.  Swallowing helps relax the muscles in your throat and neck.
  
  
• Keep from habitually clearing your throat.  Frequent throat clearing causes strain and fatigues the vocal cords making it harder to speak.  Instead of clearing your throat take a sip of water or sniff and swallow.
  
  
• Listen to your voice as you speak.  Does it trail off or sound “tight” at the end of your sentences?  If so, make sure you are not tightening your throat or “squeezing out” the last word.
  
  
• Use plenty of breath when speaking, especially during the last half of the sentence.  If you feel as if you are “running out of breath,” stop, breathe, and then continue.
  
  
• Speak easily.   Do not push, force or strain when talking.  Be aware of too much effort or strain in your neck, throat or shoulders when you speak.
  
  
• Stop talking and take a “voice break” if you notice your voice fading or fatiguing during a conversation or during the day.
  
  
• Stop, Look and Listen: Increase your awareness of your voice.  When does it sound better?  When does it sound worse?  It often helps to record your voice when reading or when speaking on the phone.  When speaking, occasionally look in a mirror watching for extra movement in your neck and shoulders.