The vocal mechanism, like other systems in the body, operates by muscle power. An understanding of the basic principles of vocal development used with professional speakers and singers can also benefit you. Usually, a progression of muscle development is targeted as follows:

Posture
Breath Management
Relaxation
Phonation (vocalizing)
Registration (vocal range)
Resonance (focus of voice, also noted as hyper/hypo nasality)
Articulation

Almost any neuromuscular problem or disease can result in changes in how the respiratory system is used, with the end result being dissatisfaction with voice production. Changes you may notices in your voice, may include: too soft, hoarse, breathy, scratchy, or changes and loss of pitch range.

Vocal Abuse can occur with any muscle that is overextended or strained. Eventually, hyper function (too much tension), will lead to hypo function (weak muscle performance). The opposite may also happen, when, weak vocal folds lead to straining to produce voice, and eventually problems related to increased muscle tension and vocal fatigue.

Vocal Behaviors To Avoid Include:

• using the voice for an extended period of time at a level which is too loud (such as yelling at a sporting event).
• Using the voice outside the comfortable pitch range (speaking or singing at an inappropriate pitch)
• Throat clearing ( very prevalent bad habit), excessive coughing, allergies, acid reflux, side effect of medications, some oxygen delivery systems which are drying to the mucosa, and, of course, the worse of all, cigarette smoking or exposure to second hand smoke!

What Can You Do To Protect Your Voice?

Monitor and eliminate any or all of the above harmful behaviors. Engage in some form of aerobic exercise to strengthen respiratory muscles, and perform vocal function exercises which can strengthen and improve the way you use your vocal mechanism.

Voice Aerobics™ is a fun and easy exercise program that may help you achieve your goals of a healthier and stronger voice.

These monthly articles are intended to: educate, enlist your participation in your own care, and empower you to advocate for your self or others .
(Re-printable with permission from the author: Mary Spremulli,MA,CCC-SLP. Send correspondence to: info@voiceaerobicsdvd.com)

About the author: Mary Spremulli,MA,CCC-SLP, is a licensed speech-language pathologist and licensed nurse. A national lecturer, with publications on the topic of Patient Education and Ethics, and with a special interest in physician-patient communication.