June 1, 2014

Voice: The Most Important Tool On My Current Job

I've been in the call center industry for not more than a year. But guess what, I have already experienced voice irritation for several times. I was even sent to the Emergency Room to get a proper treatment. Of course, I was alarmed by this. Thank God I was able to recover my voice after a week.


I am pretty aware that my voice, for me, is the most important tool on my current job. Five out of seven days a week, I need to take calls and assist customers with their hotel reservation. I need to speak for straight 8 hours on this job. Meaning, my voice will, most of the time, be abused. The very reason why I've been experiencing acute irritation of voice.

That's why I've decided to write this post to give you, my very readers, some tips on how to take care of your speaking voice.

First, BREATHE (deeply): 

Remember, you can only speak as long as you breathe. After all, our voice is a wind instrument. Supply with the right amount of air in order to power your talk.

Few years ago, I was chosen to luckily join a voice lesson for free. Our voice mentor taught us a quick exercise before getting up to speak or even before singing. One should find a place to pause for a while and do a few breathing exercises. She mentioned that beginning speakers often hurt their voices because they aren't breathing deeply enough.

Second, RELAX: 

One of the reasons for voice hoarseness is the tension in our upper body which diminishes the power of our voice. Over time, it can adversely affect our throat and can even lead to vocal chord damage. Sometimes, it is serious enough to even require a surgical repair. Isn't it alarming?

Learn to relax. Anyway, it not only helpful for our voice but to our overall health as well. Remember that emotional and physical stress both contribute significantly to vocal distress. Relax your body and let whatever tautness is there flow out each time you exhale.

Third, MAINTAIN GOOD VOCAL HEALTH: 

Condition your voice. A simple tender loving care on your voice would mean a lot like gargling, avoiding smoking cigarettes, avoiding breathing smoggy or polluted air and massaging the neck. This will help you assure that your voice is in it's best possible condition.

Another thing, of course, eat a balanced diet. At times of extended vocal use, avoid large amount of salt and refined sugar, spicy foods, as well as excessive amounts of food and alcohol.

Fourth, HYDRATE REGULARLY: 

Water will be your best friend when you experience voice distress. Drinking plenty of water before and during your talk would really save your day. That is because, talking for long periods can dry out your vocal apparatus, making it more prone to damage and fatigue.

Maintain body hydration, 7 to 9 glasses of water a day, and avoid known dietary diuretics such as caffeine and alcohol. Take note that moisture is a necessary lubricant of the vocal folds.

Fifth, EMPOWER THE VOICE: 

Just for example, getting a good night's sleep. By doing this, you'll have more vocal energy. Thus, avoiding sounding tired and irritated.

I do hope that WE can apply these steps regularly to avoid any more complications. Have a safe day!

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