Looking after your voice

How to look after your voice

It is important to look after your voice. Here’s how you can help look after your voice.

Try not to shout

• turn down background noise, for example, the TV and car radio
• go up to the person you want to speak to instead of shouting downstairs or room to room
• when playing football and other sports, try asking for a pass with your hand, or by whistling or clapping instead of calling out

Try not to cough and clear your throat

• avoid dry throats by keeping hydrated
• be aware of throat clearing as a nervous habit

Try not to make lots of funny noises

• this includes growling, squeaking, character voices and putting on any funny voices

Try not to be around smoke

• avoid any smoky atmosphere

Be careful with singing

• try not to sing if your voice is hoarse
• try not to sing so loudly you are pushing your voice

Be careful eating too near bedtime

• leave 2 to 3 hours between eating and lying down as it can give you acid reflux

Try to keep well hydrated

• drink lots of water and keep a bottle of water with you whenever possible
• avoid cola, tea, and coffee as they all have caffeine

Try to rest your voice

• read a book quietly
• watch TV
• listen to music but try not to sing along
• do a puzzle or drawing