Happy World Voice Day!

My observance today included hydrating, and singing classic rock in the car during a long drive.

World Voice Day is an annual, now-international event created to recognize and honor the importance of the human voice – “to share the excitement of voice science, pedagogy and the vocal arts”[1]. We use our voices to communicate from the very beginning of life, crying, laughing, and babbling before we can hold a crayon or even know a word of language. Voices carry emotion and information, speech and song. Voice is central to human identity and interaction throughout our lives, and especially important in my life and work.

We often take our voices for granted, perhaps until an illness or vocal injury limits a person’s ability to communicate, whether at home, work, school, or even on stage. As a medical voice pathologist I work with teams of dedicated professionals including physicians, allied health providers, and scientists, taking advantage of leading-edge research and technology to help people of all backgrounds enjoy better vocal health and function.

Outside of the healthcare world, I am fortunate as a communication coach to work with clients of The Speech Improvement Company in fields of business, education, and others, to enhance their expressive abilities, often drawing on the power of vocal presence and authenticity to help inform, entertain, and persuade.

Here’s to a happy, healthy World Voice Day 2017! I leave you with just a few suggestions for the care and feeding of your voice:

  • Vocal strain, screaming, whispering, coughing, and throat clearing can all affect the health of your vocal tissues and muscles, especially over the long term. Be gentle to your voice.

 

  • Our vocal fold (vocal cord) tissues are composed largely of water. Hydration will help keep your voice in good working order, as well as humidification in dry environments.

 

  • Many irritants such as smoke, allergens, and acid reflux can contribute to symptoms like hoarseness and throat irritation. Talk to your doctor or consider trying a lifestyle change.

 

  • If you think your voice could be doing more to help you communicate effectively, talk to us!

 

[1] From the World Voice Day mission statement. Read more at http://2017.world-voice-day.org/

Author

Spread the love

Author

MORE POSTS

Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical People

Getting complex information across begins with a mindset shift and focused attention on both non-verbal communication and delivery style. In this eBook, Presenting Technical Information to Non-Technical People, we will introduce you to tools and techniques you can immediately use to become a more effective communicator. Author Jeff Turner View all posts Spread the love

Spread the love

Unlocking the Power of Conferences: Turning Chaos into Opportunity

Conferences can be transformative experiences—places where new partnerships are forged, ideas take flight, and energy is reinvigorated. Yet, all too often, they devolve into chaotic whirlwinds of missed opportunities and scattered schedules. Ironically, the best moments often happen in the quiet corners: hallway conversations or impromptu meetups in empty banquet rooms after the main events. What if those “best parts” could become the focus instead of the afterthought? When approached as collaborative team-building opportunities rather

Spread the love

Paraphrasing: A Crucial Skill for Building Trust and Rapport

In the vast landscape of communication, the ability to paraphrase stands out as a valuable skill that often goes unnoticed. Paraphrasing involves rephrasing someone else’s words or ideas in your own words, and its importance in conversation cannot be overstated. This nuanced skill plays a pivotal role in fostering understanding, enhancing relationships, and promoting effective communication. One of the primary benefits of paraphrasing lies in its ability to ensure clarity. When conversing, it’s not uncommon

Spread the love

QUESTIONS? NEED HELP?

Tell us what’s on your mind: