Taking Care of Your Voice

Published on February 2017 | Categories: Documents | Downloads: 47 | Comments: 0 | Views: 207
of 3
Download PDF   Embed   Report

Comments

Content

Taking Care of Your Voice
What is voice?
Voice is sound that comes out of your mouth when you speak. We rely on our voices to inform, persuade, and connect with other people. Your voice is as unique as your fingerprint. Many people you know use their voices all day long, day in and day out. Singers, teachers, doctors, lawyers, nurses, sales representatives, and public speakers are among those who make great demands on their voices. Unfortunately, these individuals are most prone to experiencing voice problems. It is believed that 7.5 million people have diseases or disorder of voices. Some of these disorders can be avoided by taking care of your voice. It is a given fact that most teachers experience some degree of voice problems during their career. Statistically, teaching is the second most affected profession when it comes to voice problems. People in other careers might not understand what all the fuss is about, but you know that YOUR VOICE IS YOUR CAREER.

How does a teacher's voice affect pupils' behavior and their ability to learn?
Just as teachers have to use their voices over long periods of time, so pupils (the consumers) are required to listen to, or at least hear, teacher voices during the long school week. A teacher's voice under strain can lead to permanent damage requiring medical treatment. Meanwhile, the discomfort teacher is experiencing conveys itself to pupils. They also feel uncomfortable and they lose confidence in the teacher; it is not too fanciful to say that they become disturbed. Unintentionally, bad behavior may be the outcome. Teachers should avoid 'raising their voice' in the sense of shouting or using a higher pitch, since this in it may have an even more disturbing effect on the group or class. There is no naughtiness or disobedience as such, but learning and positive activity is no longer possible. When a voice is being badly used and abused in the classroom, this has repercussions on the pupils. A voice that is uncontrolled can often lead to the 'irritating misbehavior'. Pupils respond inappropriately when they feel that the teacher's voice is patronizing, “shouty”, monotone or weak. Bad behavior can result from the lack of knowledge teachers have about the effect of their voice on their pupils.

Factors that contribute to voice problems

 Screaming – at sporting events, kids, parents, friends, pets, etc. Some singers scream when they
sing, and this is very bad for long term vocal health.

    

Raising the voice – talking or singing in competition to other noises like a noisy classroom or social situation. Smoke – smoking is a big factor in vocal damage for many people and so is passive smoking. Frequenting smoky places, socially, or as a performer, can be very detrimental to vocal health. Coughing – coughing and clearing the throat causes the vocal folds to be abrasively rubbed together and this is damaging with regularity. Talking – just like any other muscles, excessive use of the voice by simply talking a lot tires the voice out. Talking when stressed – emotional and physical tension will contribute to the voice being constricted and talking in this situation may lead to vocal fatigue.



Work – some jobs are dependent upon the voice, and overuse of the voice in work situations could lead to vocal health problems.

How is your voice doing?
Take this quiz to find out 1. I have trouble talking loudly or being heard in noisy situations. 2. I feel a lump in my throat, like extra phlegm or something sticking there. 3. I have trouble doing my job or practicing my profession because of my voice. 4. Talking or singing takes effort/makes me tired. 5. I have to repeat myself to be understood in normal conversation 6. My throat feels sore or achy even though I'm not sick. 7. My voice sounds higher, lower, or less flexible in pitch these days; I'm losing notes at the top. 8. I feel anxious or frustrated because of changes in my voice. 9. I have trouble being heard / understood on the telephone. 10. I have to strain, change how I use my voice, or compromise my vocal technique in order to sound the way I should.

  

If you answer YES to 6 or more questions, see a voice doctor (otolaryngologist (oh-toe-lar-in-GAHluh-jist) is the physician and surgeon who specializes in diseases or disorders of the ears, nose, and throat) as soon as you can If you answer YES to 2-4 questions, follow the tips on how to take care of your voice If you can answer NO to nearly every question, congratulations! You are in good vocal health. Keep taking good care so you'll stay that way.

Tips to Prevent Voice Problems

 Limit your intake of drinks that include alcohol or caffeine. These act as diuretics (substances that
increase urination) and cause the body to lose water. This loss of fluids dries out the voice. Alcohol also irritates the mucous membranes that line the throat.

 Drink plenty of water. Six to eight glasses a day is recommended.  Don't smoke and avoid second-hand smoke. Cancer of the vocal folds is seen most often in
individuals who smoke.

 Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking. It is important to support your voice
with deep breaths from the diaphragm, the wall that separates your chest and abdomen. Singers and speakers are often taught exercises that improve this breath control. Talking from the throat, without supporting breath, puts a great strain on the voice.

 Avoid eating spicy foods. Spicy foods can cause stomach acid to move into the throat or esophagus  Try not to overuse your voice. Avoid speaking or singing when your voice is hoarse.  Wash your hands often to prevent colds and flu.

 Include plenty of whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet. These foods contain vitamins A,
E, and C. They also help keep the mucus membranes that line the throat healthy.

 Do not cradle the phone when talking. Cradling the phone between the head and shoulder for
extended periods of time can cause muscle tension in the neck.

 Exercise regularly. Exercise increases stamina and muscle tone. This helps provide good posture and
breathing, which are necessary for proper speaking.

 Get enough rest. Physical fatigue has a negative effect on voice.  Avoid whispering. Use a quiet voice instead.  Avoid talking in noisy places. Trying to talk above noise causes strain on the voice.  Avoid mouthwash or gargles that contain alcohol or irritating chemicals. If you still wish to use a
mouthwash that contains alcohol, limit your use to oral rinsing. If gargling is necessary, use a salt water solution.

 Consider using a microphone. In relatively static environments such as exhibit areas, classrooms, or
exercise rooms, a lightweight microphone and an amplifier-speaker system can be of great help.

 Consider voice therapy. A speech-language pathologist who is experienced in treating voice
problems can provide education on healthy use of the voice and instruction in proper voice techniques.

Sources: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jExkenbRm2c : http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/voice/takingcare.asp : http://www.dukehealth.org/services/voice_care_center/care_guides/voice_hygiene/tips_for_teachers : http://www.musicteachershelper.com/blog/vocal-health-for-the-voice-teacher : Http://www.youtube.com

Sponsor Documents

Or use your account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Forgot your password?

Or register your new account on DocShare.tips

Hide

Lost your password? Please enter your email address. You will receive a link to create a new password.

Back to log-in

Close