Easy Ways to Improve Your Voice: How To Make Your Voice an Asset

Do you take your voice for granted? It is reported that one in 13 adults is affected by a voice problem annually. But only a fraction of these people seek help, even though the impact of the voice problem is huge. Keep on reading to learn how you can avoid being one of those people. And it’s easier than you think.

Do You Take Your Voice for Granted?

 Chances are that if you’ve never had a voice problem, you most likely never gave your voice any thought. You probably don’t know about voice care beyond “keep your voice hydrated” or “don’t yell”. 

Chances are that if you’ve ever had a minor vocal issue like a hoarse voice due to a common cold or flu that resolved itself within a short period of time, you gave your voice a little bit of attention. You drank more fluids, rested your voice, or took some throat lozenges or syrup to soothe your throat. As soon as your voice problem was resolved, you very quickly forgot that you have a voice. 

Chances are that if you ever had to deal with a long standing voice problem or are dealing with a voice problem right now, you know the value of your voice. You realize that you use your voice every single day for so many different tasks, from using it at work, to talking to your friends and family after work, from taking phone calls, communicating with your colleagues, to reading books to your kids, ordering food or even singing. And when the voice is not working as it should, suddenly these tasks seem challenging or impossible. Things that others take for granted are suddenly out of reach. 

It's Not Your Fault

And it’s really not your fault if you don’t recognize the value of your voice. Nobody teaches us about our voice. I certainly did not know much about my own voice until I studied speech language pathology. The closest thing that anyone taught me about my voice was an inside voice vs. outside voice. But we usually tell the kids to use their inside voice because they are loud and annoying, not because it’s good for their voice. 

I often meet people who have had voice problems for years and they did not know they had a problem or that they could do something about it. One of my first questions when I meet a new client is: how long have you had this voice problem? And very often, the answer is: since I can remember. 

You Can Improve Your Voice

There are things you can start doing today to improve your voice. Someone asked me: Can you please share why someone should do or need vocal exercises? It’s a great question. Should we and if so, why?

If you are using your voice for work, then you are considered a voice professional. Some voice professionals have very high demands on their voices, people like teachers, singers, speakers, actors, fitness instructors, people in sales, traders, call centre agents and many more. These professionals are more prone to vocal issues because they are like vocal athletes. And if they don’t know how to take care of their voices, one day they may find themselves without a job. 

But many people in other occupations also rely on their voices for work. And then, if you use your voice outside of work for your hobby or just simple communication with your family and friends. What will you do, if you cannot use your voice for these daily simple tasks? 

3 Ways to Improve Your Voice

Tip #1 Learn About Your Voice 

You don’t need to study anatomy or dive deep into vocal physiology. Just learn some basic voice care principles. Be curious. 

Tip #2 Keep It In A Good Shape

And especially if you are a voice professional with high demands on your voice. The absolute minimum is good hydration and a few vocal breaks throughout the day. I used to tell people to take 15 minutes from their day to check in on their voice. Now, I am saying: 2 minutes is all you need. Do something for your voice. Vocal exercise, breathing exercise, mindfulness practice or massage. Whatever your voice needs. Always check in with your voice. How does it feel before and after the exercise? 

If you don't know where to start, join my VOCAL GYM. Click this link to learn more.

Tip #3 Don’t Wait

Talk to someone. Ask questions. If your gut is telling you that your voice does not feel right, then stop listening to people around you telling you that you sound fine. Get help. There is no shame in having a vocal problem.

Watch this video to hear my client's story that demonstrates my point:

 Link to the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqAcZc09ySI