Tips for Voice Over Artists’ Health
Did you know that there are chemicals that we consume on a daily basis that effect our throat, our nose, and our ability to speak and sing? There are. And if you are in the business of using your voice talent often to present sales material, sing or otherwise perform vocally, you may want to know what they are so you can always have peak performance.
If you are ill, for example, you may have symptoms of stuffy nose, scratchy throat and decreased lung capacity. Much of these symptoms may be managed with lemon, lemon-water and/or hot teas – preferably herbal. However hot works much better to expand tissue including the vocal area of your throat and loosen any phlegm or mucus build up as the result of your cold or flu. For more tenacious phlegm, fill a sink full of boiling hot water and mix in any menthol-containing substance you have: Vicks Vapor Rub, Tiger Balm, melt a couple cough-drops, whatever. Put your head and face directly over the sink and a towel over your head and breathe in the steam for at least 10-15 minutes. When you are done you may have to clear some of the loosened material, but you will feel – and sound – much better!
Also, if you are perfectly well but want to cleanse your head before a performance use lemon or lemon water to accomplish this, again, the hotter the better. This will give you a clear throat and crisp clean performance.
On your “avoid” list, put all dairy, especially if you are already lactose intolerant or have blood types A or O. Your body will naturally react with the products and form a mucus material in your stomach lining and throat. And that oooey-gooey goop can affect the sound of your voice for up to 24 hours.
