Weekly Insight #5 Understanding Voice Health (Part II) Healthier Alternatives and Practical Tips for Vocal Health
Last week in Part 1, we explored the role of phlegm, throat clearing, and nervousness in vocal health. Now, let’s look at a few alternatives to manage these sensations and practical strategies to protect your voice that I have found useful over the years.
Organic Alternatives to Throat Clearing and Coughing
Hydration: Keeping your vocal cords hydrated is essential. Dryness can make you hyper-aware of your throat and lead to more throat clearing. Taking small sips of warm, non-dehydrating liquids can soothe your throat and help maintain the natural lubrication of your vocal cords. It’s important to be mindful of your intake of caffeinated or sugary drinks, as they can contribute to dehydration. Striking a balance is key to maintaining vocal health.
Swallowing: Sometimes, a simple swallow can be enough to clear the sensation of needing to cough or clear your throat. Swallowing helps to moisten the throat without causing irritation to the vocal cords, offering a gentle way to alleviate discomfort without resorting to coughing or throat clearing. A favorite lozenge, like a Ricola or similar, can also provide soothing relief by keeping the throat moist and easing the urge to clear it.
Support with Diaphragmatic Breathing: Proper breath support is essential for vocal health. When we feel fatigued or anxious, it’s common to rely less on diaphragmatic breathing and more on shallow breaths. This lack of support strains the voice. Even when your voice feels vulnerable, engaging deeper breath support goes a long way in preventing further irritation.
Voice Rest: Giving your voice time to rest is another important tool in maintaining vocal health. If your vocal cords are irritated from excessive coughing or throat clearing, rest allows them to recover. Additionally, resting your voice when it feels strained helps prevent more severe damage.
Vocal Awareness: The Key to Long-Term Vocal Health
Being aware of how you use your voice isn’t just crucial for protecting your vocal cords—it's a skill that can extend to other areas of life. Whether in public speaking, teaching, or even leadership, awareness is fundamental to effective communication.
Margaret Harshaw, who I found to be a great leader in the area of voice, constantly listened and adapted based on what she heard. Whether it was students or even those she heard speaking on television or radio, she would learn from every voice. Similarly, vocal health also benefits from paying attention and adapting. We use our voice all day, often without much thought—like when talking on the phone. Personally, when I’m feeling a little under, I notice I tend to use less vocal support and fall into what’s sometimes called “talking on the cords.” Staying mindful of how we use our voice throughout the day helps us keep it strong and flexible, even in less obvious moments of voice usage. Knowing how to listen and adapt, and paying attention to the subtle signals your body gives you can be game changing!
When you become more aware of your voice, you’ll notice that clarity and confidence naturally follow. This awareness not only protects your voice physically but also enhances how you express yourself, making communication feel more effortless and authentic.
Pausing before throat clearing or coughing; it’s a great opportunity to appreciate what’s special about your voice—how it feels, how it resonates, and how it impacts those around you.
Questions for your reflection:
- Are there specific techniques (like deep breathing or hydration) that have helped you manage throat discomfort in the past?
- When was the last time you consciously focused on your voice during a conversation or performance?
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