Tips to Keep You Talkin'

Speaking loudly or over long periods may lead to a voice disorder. Recognize when your voice is tired, consdier vocal training.

Hoarseness of breathiness may signal a voice disorder. If either symptom persists for more than two weeks, call a physician or speech-language pathologist.

 

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.

 

Caffeine and alcohol dehydrate vocal folds, which can make it more difficulty to keep them vibrating. Drink plenty of water to combat their drying effects.

 

Some medications lead to dehydration of the vocal folds.

Repeatedly clearing the throat or coughing may irritate vocal fold tissues. Sipping water, swallowing or sucking a cough drop may ease the irritation.

Frequent heartburn and a sour taste may mean stomach acids are spilling over into your larynx which may lead to voice problems.

Smoking irritates tissues used for singing and talking.

Lead Institution of the NCVS

The National Center for Voice and Speech web site may contain information that is created and maintained by a variety of sources both internal and external to the NCVS and the University of Utah.These sites are unmoderated forums containing the personal opinions and other expressions of the persons who post the entries.The National Center for Voice and Speech and the University of Utah does not control, monitor or guarantee the information contained in these sites or information contained in links to other external web sites, and does not endorse any views expressed or products or services offered therein.In no event shall the NCVS or the University of Utah be responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any such content, goods, or services available on or through any such site or resource.