Just like a saxophone player needs to warm up their instrument before a performance, it’s a good idea to warm up your voice before giving a big speech. Below, we’ll go over some effective vocal warm-ups that will help you speak well and protect your voice. Bookmark this page for your next speech, performance, lecture or presentation.
Why Do I Need to Warm Up My Voice?
Like any muscle, your voice box can become strained or even damaged if you use it too much or improperly. Warming up before heavy use of your voice will loosen the muscles, ligaments, membranes and cartilage that make up the voice box, thereby preventing most damage. Damage to your voice box can lead to voice disorders such as laryngitis, vocal fold swelling, polyps and cysts.
Additionally, warming up your voice before a speaking engagement will give you a boost in confidence, helping you deliver your presentation to the best of your ability and with greater strength.
Vocal Warm-Ups
Here are some basic vocal warm-ups to try:
Work Up
Get your voice ready in the days or even weeks leading up to the speaking engagement by using it constantly. Overusing your voice is one way you can develop a voice disorder, but remember that overuse is relative. Working up to the day of the speaking engagement will give your voice more stamina on the day of. Practice your speech every day, multiple times if possible.
Deep Sigh
Relax your upper back, shoulders and chin, then sigh out loud, letting the air from the sigh flow up from your lungs and through your voice box. It should be a soft sound. Do this several times. This will release any tension in your throat and voice box, like a massage for your voice box.
Tongue Twister
Recite a tongue twister! “Peter Piper,” “She sells sea shells” or any other tongue twister you prefer will work. Recite the tongue twister slowly, then faster, then faster again. Recite it quietly, then recite it loudly. Focus on the rhythm of the words. Enunciate consonants. Practice mindful pronunciation and keep your lips and tongue loose as you speak. This will both warm up your voice and help avoid slips of the tongue when you perform.
Humming
Give your vocal cords a workout by humming loudly. Pick a song you like and hum it. Try to choose a song that has high notes and low notes.
What To Do If You Damage Your Voice
In the days after your performance, watch your voice for signs of strain. Some signs include:
- Raspy or hoarse voice
- Unable to reach pitches or volume that you normally can reach
- Sore throat
- Coughing
- Loss of voice
If you notice these signs or anything else that makes you feel that something is amiss in your voice, contact an ENT specialist. We at Blue Ridge ENT are well-versed in voice disorders. We can diagnose the issue and take the necessary measures to help you find relief. Call today to find out more.