1. 7 Healthy Habits of A Highly Effective Voice Darrell Klotz, MD, FACS Voice & Swallowing Center

3. HABIT 1: Breathe Physiologic respiration is automatic Phonatory respiration is learned, unlearned – Good posture – Diaphragmatic breathing – Timing – Don’t speak on residual air Recognize importance of breath support Singers may do this well while singing, but not with speaking

4. HABIT 2: Hydrate

5. How much water does a body need each day?  Half your body weight in ounces  Modified for exercise, climate, body conditions Humidification – Environment (planes, cold weather, dry climates) – Nasal breathing Avoid drying medications and diuretics – Antihistamines, BP meds, caffeine, alcohol

6. HABIT 3: Speak easy

7. Find your natural voice – Effortless projection, no straining Avoid throat-focused speech – “eee” v. “mmm” – “Yes” v. “uhm huh” Relax – no neck tension Diaphragmatic breathing Amplification

8. HABIT 4: Avoid vocal overuse Avoid a vocal marathon – Periods of rest allow for healing phase – Take vocal breaks Throughout the day, between activities, mid-week Reduce vocal demands Avoid prolonged talking over noise Get plenty of rest

9. HABIT 5: Reduce Irritants Don’t smoke Avoid pollutants (stage fog, yardwork, etc.) Control allergies Control acid reflux Watch medications – Asthma inhalers – Cold and flu remedies – Allergy meds/antihistamines

10. HABIT 6: Heed your voice Don’t push your voice through a “cold”, sore throat, bad allergy day – Alterations in resonance – Vocal trauma from associated throat clearing and coughing – Laryngitis = swollen vocal folds Warning signs – Hoarseness, pain, vocal fatigue, loss of range, decreased projection

11. HABIT 7: Seek help Proper diagnosis of hoarseness, cough or throat clearing Improve vocal hygiene Voice therapy Medical remedies Surgical intervention

12. Thank You!

13. What about throat sprays? Singers, do you think water is enough? THINK AGAIN! Over 7.5 million people have diseases or disorders of the voice*

14. Vocal Fold Vibration