Aside from a rich educational background and a well planned curriculum, a clear speaking voice is one of the most valuable assets a teacher can have. Holding the attention of a classroom filled to the brim with preoccupied, growing students presents its own challenges, and a damaged or strained voice can make things even harder.

Fortunately, by taking precautions to maintain your voice, you can help insure that lecture time goes uninterrupted all year long.

Like a runner stretching before a sprint or a boxer before a match, those who make their living by using their voice must take time to warm up properly. When speaking publicly, people often use differences in inflection and vocal loudness to emphasize their message. Without proper preparation, damage to the vocal folds (a.k.a. vocal cords) can occur.

Before speaking in the classroom, completing vocal warm-up exercises in the morning is one great way to start the day. A good vocal warm-up can include humming on an “m” sound. The sound should be produced gently and the tone should be placed forward in the facial region. If done properly, the lips may tingle or vibrate.

Since our voices may grow louder throughout presentations, another strategy for saving your voice is to begin warming up at lower loudness level. As you continue through your warm up routine, gradually increase the loudness of your voice. You should not feel pressure or discomfort in the throat region as your loudness increases if this is done properly. Use of amplification in the classroom area can be very helpful. This can allow you to increase your vocal loudness without increasing your vocal effort that can lead to vocal fatigue / hoarseness.

Too often people underestimate the benefits of proper hydration in their daily lives, and one good way to keep your vocal folds performing properly is to drink plenty of water. By keeping your body well hydrated you can dramatically reduce the strain that can be caused by overuse of the vocal folds. Also keep in mind that fluids that contain caffeine, carbonation or higher acid content (like fruit juices) can have a negative impact on vocal quality.

Lastly, one obvious but effective way of saving your voice is to minimize its unnecessary use. For individuals like teachers or professional singers, choosing not to speak for periods of time prior to and after voice use can allow for a decrease in inflammation which can improve vocal quality and stamina.

Meet the Doctor

Dr. Bari Hoffman Ruddy serves as Director of The Voice Care Center at The Ear, Nose, Throat and Plastic Surgery Associates . She has been with the practice since 1998 and primarily works with adult and pediatric patients with voice and upper airway difficulties. She specializes in vocal health issues in professional voice users prior to- and after vocal injury as well as the behavioral therapeutic treatment of neurogenic and upper airway disorders.