How do you preserve your voice when you are constantly speaking or presenting? 

It’s a brand new year and let’s just say 2024 started off with a bang! I have been involved in a bevy of engagements including filming, moderating, coaching and voiceovers. 

????????‍♀️With the sustained use of voice, how does one maintain vocal consistency and peak performance? 
———

Here are 3️⃣ factors that I’m very mindful of when I have a robust work schedule that requires me to deliver my ‘A game’ every single time. 

????️: Vocal power
To avoid getting hoarse or sounding ‘raspy’, I make sure to project from the diaphragm so my voice is clear, well-rounded, with minimal strain to my vocal chords. This is helpful especially when I have to speak / record for hours. The technique takes practice though. 

????️: Diet 
It’s true that spicy foods ‘tickle your throat’ so choose your pre-presentation fuel wisely. I avoid fried foods or phlegm-inducing products like dairy, and pick steamed protein over char kway teow before any gig. Trust me, that oily aftertaste isn’t going to do your voice any favours. Pi Pa Kao and regular herbal teas are still firm favourites! 

????️: Environment
Straining to be heard in noisy environments (like networking events) or restaurants where ambient noise is extremely cacophonous is a quick way to induce a sore throat. (It’s happened to me before ☹️) Whenever possible, I try to pick a quieter corner or venue where I don’t have to shout over a din. 
——— 

???? In other news, I’ve just finished filming a brand new TV show that will air in March — can’t wait to share more details with you! 

????: courtesy of #hsbc Global Private Banking 

#publicspeaking#yourvoicematters#presentationtips

© Copyright Yvonne Chan