1. VOCAL HYGIENE
(How to get the best mileage from your voice)
DO DON’T
Drink plenty of water Drink or eat excessive amounts of caffeine
chocolate, milk products, alcohol or tobacco
Relax your throat by doing deep abdominal Clear your throat or cough habitually
breathing
Allow natural expansion/release in ribs & Hold your breath, squeeze or push the voice out
abdomen when breathing
When speaking, pause often at natural Squeeze out the last few words of a thought
boundaries to allow the breath to be replaced without sufficient breath
before continuing
Match your breath to what you are physically Yell or speak extensively during strenuous
doing physical exercise
Initiate voice gradually on the out-flowing breath, Initiate voice with a harsh or sudden glottal attack
as on a sigh ‘hahh’
Keep the voice at a comfortable pitch Force your voice in a register beyond a
comfortable pitch
Be aware of the effects stress and emotions have Do prolonged yelling, whispering, cheering or
on your voice, in neck, throat, jaw, face or chest screaming especially if it causes muscle tension
Whistle, clap, blow a horn, or find some other Use your voice in noisy cars, planes,
form to attract attention in a noisy environment Etc. Don’t out-talk or out-sing environmental noise
Keep your upper and lower teeth separated Ever clench your teeth or hold your jaw tense as
allowing the jaw to relax you speak or sing
Allow for periods of vocal rest during the day, Use your voice extensively when you have a cold
especially when tired or ill
2. Learn to recognize first signs of vocal fatigue Use your voice when it feels strained
(hoarseness, dry throat, tension, poor vocal
projection)
Consult your doctor when you experience throat Ignore prolonged symptoms of vocal strain,
discomfort or hoarseness for more than six days hoarseness, pain, heartburn or allergies
Maintain proper humidity, both inside and Expose your voice to excessive pollution,
outside your body cigarette smoke, or chemical fumes
Key reasons that most voicemail messages are inefficient are
talked to fast ~ slurred words ~ unclear purpose (rambling rather than getting to the point) ~
not warm and friendly (apologetic does not substitute for warmth, friendliness and a clear, succinct
message) ~ no clear call to action
Be sure to leave:
Your name ~ where you are calling from (if it's someone who doesn’t know you and it’s an external
call from your office or dept) ~ who you are calling for ~ the purpose of the call ~ the reason to call
back (or the call of action...what you want them to do...spoken very succinctly, no apologies) ~when
they should call back (urgency) ~ Return phone number ~ Warm ending
For Example:
Hi Lucy, It's Lynn from VoicePower. I'm calling to remind you to do your exercises for 10
minutes every day this week... Call me if you have any problems understanding the material I sent
you on Saturday. My number is 416 461-1012. Again, that's - 416 461-1012. I'm looking forward
to seeing you next Friday at 5:00 pm. Have a great day and stay warm!
OR if you don’t know the person, it will have to be a bit more formal.
Hello, this is Lynn Woodman calling from Voice Power in Toronto. This call is for Ms. Lucy Lee.
Ms Lee, the reason for my call is to address your inquiry into voice & speech training with my
company. I'm calling because there are few things that I need to discuss with you regarding
your goals. I'd like for you to return my call please. The best time to reach me is Monday, Jan.
17th between 9:00 & 5:00 pm. It's very important that we speak. The number for you to call me
back is 416 461-1012. Again that's 416 461-1012. Should you reach my voice mail, please
leave the best time for me to return your call. Thank you very much. I look forward to speaking
with you. Have a great day.
www.voicepower.ca
