HealthInfo Canterbury
Tips for looking after your voice
Ngā āwhinatanga e tiakina ai tō reo
It is important to take care of your voice, especially if you use it a lot for work or as a hobby. The following tips can help.
Use good voice production techniques. For example:
- gain the listeners' attention before speaking
- look at the person you are speaking to
- speak with your head up (this makes it easier for your listener to hear your voice)
- keep your hands away from your mouth
- speak at a comfortable pitch (not too high, not too low)
- speak at a comfortable level of loudness.
Drink at least eight cups of fluid a day. Water is best.
Be careful with alcohol. It also dehydrates your body. If you do have alcohol, make sure you have extra water.
Treat your voice with care if it sounds different. This could be because you are developing a cold or the flu. Or perhaps you are run down.
- Rest your voice regularly. Stop talking whenever possible.
- Try not to clear your throat. Have a sip of water or try swallowing instead.
- Do not shout or scream and try not to use your voice loudly. For example, talking against loud background noise.
- Do not whisper. You are still using your vocal muscles when you are whispering, so it is best just to stay quiet.
- See your general practice team if your voice does not improve.
Ensure your home is not too dry and avoid other environments that might harm your voice. These include smoky rooms and air-conditioned buildings. If you cannot avoid them, limit the time you spend in them.
Tension in your body can affect your voice. Gently stretch your shoulder and neck muscles throughout the day.
Written by speech-language therapists, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Waitaha Canterbury. Adapted by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed July 2023.
SourcesReview key: HISCD-79694
