This summer is breaking records for high temperatures. Heat can be hard on your voice and your body. You can sound parched and look wilted on camera. If you want to sound great and look polished, try these eight tips. I’ve provided links to some of my other blog posts if you want to read more, but here’s a list for a quick reminder:
1. Most important, keep your vocal tract moist by drinking at least half your body weight in ounces of decaffeinated, nonalcoholic fluid a day (for more on fluid intake check out this post).
2. If you have allergies or get a summer cold, limit throat clearing and coughing. Did you read this post on the dangers of coughing?
3. Use SPF 30 or higher sun cream every day and reapply it every few hours. And if you’re outside much of the day, wear SPF clothing (you can actually make your clothes sun proof with Rit Sun Guard). Be sure an include a hat or cap to wear (not during on-camera work unless approved by your news director).
4. Be careful not to yell in noisy environments such as outdoor sporting events or clubs. Yelling can permanently harm your voice.
5. Keep up an exercise program, but if you’re exercising outside and it’s hot, do it early in the morning or late in the evening. Why exercise? It helps develop good breathing, but it does much more. Check this out.
6. Get at least seven hours of sleep each night for good vocal energy. That’s the minimum that doctors recommend. Go for more when you can. And remember that computers and tablets emit blue light that mimics sunlight and can keep you awake. Dim them down at least an hour before bedtime.
7. The heat can burn off lots of energy. Ramp up your protein intake for better overall energy and great vocal energy. This blog post explains why and how.
7. Practice abdominal-diaphragmatic breathing to decrease tension in the laryngeal area. (Check my video or my book, BROADCAST VOICE HANDBOOK, if you’re unclear on what this type of breathing is like.)
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Want more tips like these? Ck out Broadcaster’s Survival Guide. It’s only $4.99 and loaded with voice and lifestyle tips!
Great ideas from an experienced voice trainer. Good for your voice and your overall health.