Strong Voice, Strong Presence: Vocal Health for Busy Professionals

Strong Voice, Strong Presence: Vocal Health for Busy Professionals

MK
Maia King Corporate Speech and Language Pathologist ,
4 min read

In today’s fast-paced professional world, communication is a cornerstone of both productivity and connection. Early morning meetings and long stretches of back-to-back calls illustrate the demanding nature of professional communication. While we put effort into maintaining physical fitness, sharpening our minds, and presenting ourselves professionally, vocal health is often neglected. Like any other part of the body, the voice requires consistent care and attention to perform at its best.

Imagine for a moment what a typical workday feels like. It’s 5:30 am, and you are preparing for another day at the office. Perhaps breakfast was skipped or just a grab-and-go as you head to the car. Your day begins with phone calls during your morning commute and continues with a full eight hours spent at your desk, managing emails on your computer and participating in consistent Zoom meetings. Your neck and shoulders may tighten as the day goes on, along with the fatigue from a long day. Among your daily tasks, it's easy to overlook an important yet often neglected instrument: your voice. The vocal cords not only produce sound but also protect your airway during swallowing. Implementing proactive behavioral changes can help prevent undue strain or injury to your vocal cords. Vocal hygiene, while not exactly what it sounds like, is an essential practice for maintaining vocal health.

  • Sleep is foundational to vocal endurance and clarity. Aim for consistent, sufficient rest to support vocal stamina during long workdays.

  • Daily hydration helps maintain vocal fold lubrication. Start the day with water and minimize dehydrating substances like caffeine and mint.

  • Steam inhalation can alleviate post-nasal drip and reduce the need for throat clearing, preserving vocal health.

  • A brief vocal warm-up and gentle neck stretches can enhance vocal readiness and reduce strain before extended speaking engagements.

  • Practice vocal moderation by listening more during meetings and speaking only when necessary to conserve vocal energy.

  • Seek medical evaluation for hoarseness lasting longer than two weeks to prevent chronic vocal issues.

Seek the advice of an otolaryngologist (ENT doctor) or speech and language pathologist if you are consistently hoarse (longer than 2 weeks).

References

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  5. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2004. Dietary Reference Intakes for Water, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, and Sulfate. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/10925.

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  7. Sataloff, Robert Thayer. 2005. Professional Voice: The Science and Art of Clinical Care. San Diego: Plural Publishing.

  8. Sivasankar, M. Preeti, and Christine Leydon. 2010. “The Role of Hydration in Vocal Fold Physiology.” Current Opinion in Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery 18 (3): 171–175. https://doi.org/10.1097/MOO.0b013e3283388d74.

  9. Sivasankar, M. Preeti, Elizabeth Erickson-Levendoski, and Eric J. Leydon. 2008. “Caffeine and Vocal Fold Health: A Review of the Literature.” Journal of Voice 22 (4): 443–450. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jvoice.2006.10.005.

  10. Verdolini, Katherine, and Lorraine O. Ramig. 2001. “Review: Occupational Risks for Voice Problems.” Logopedics Phoniatrics Vocology 26 (1): 37–46. https://doi.org/10.1080/140154301300109119.

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