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Help! Colds and Covid Are Killing My Voice

How to preserve your voice for that important online appearance


The bane of any speaker - losing your voice when you need it most. Aacck!


Go ahead, reach for that throat lozenge or spray. We both know that when it matters, every little thing helps. To help you know what those things are, here's a checklist of quick remedies for nurturing your pipes. Some will take longer than others to produce a positive result, but take it from a voice actor, they can get you through your session. Just don't push yourself! Trying too hard to force a strong sound from a weakened throat will not end well. Trust me. (Been there, done that.)


 
Vocal health includes both preventative measures and immediate remedies.
 

Woman on a couch holds her throat, appearing ill. She holds a blue mug, with lemons and tissues on the table. Cozy living room setting.

Shoring up your immune system and keeping yourself hydrated is something you should always be doing, not just when your throat is on fire.

Prevention is always the best remedy

If you're already suffering from a pained throat or a diminished voice, I'm really not trying to make you feel worse than you already are. Promise! But shoring up your immune system and keeping yourself hydrated is something you should always be doing. Start right away, even if you're not feeling 100%. These measures can help you heal more quickly.


  • Hydrate! Drink water throughout your day, every day. It's the perfect lubricant for your throat and body and flushes out toxins pretty effectively, too.

  • Sleep. Get your zzzz's in every night. Give yourself the luxury of a good night's sleep on a regular basis. Rest rejuvenates the body and helps you fight off infection.

  • Vitamin C. I recommend 500-1000 mg a day to strengthen your immune system. Chewables are easy to take, especially for those of us who don't like swallowing pills on a daily basis.


Woman with sore throat, highlighted in red, appears pained. Inset of woman speaking into microphone. Bright background. Contrasting emotions.

Vocal help when you need it NOW

You're in the midst of a sore throat, bronchial infection, nasty cough, or froggy voice. To the rescue! Try:


  • Humidifier - the perfect antidote to cold, dry winter air. Steam baths, showers, or even inhaling steam from a very hot water in a bowl can help you feel better quickly.

  • Throat Coat tea by Traditional Medicinals is incredibly soothing! So is hot broth or soup.

  • Swallow instead of cough. You'll save a lot of wear and tear on your strained vocal cords.

  • Gargle with salt water. A 1/2 teaspoon of salt to 8 oz. water should do it.

  • Honey - in lozenges or in hot water with a squeeze of lemon.

  • Retire your voice. When you don't need to talk, don't! Give it some rest, so it'll have strength for when you really need it.

  • Speak quietly and use a mic when you're talking on camera. A good mic, either standing or lapel, will pick up your voice just fine, as long as it's well-positioned (near your mouth). If you're soft, the audio output can be boosted without you having to strain your voice.

  • Think "confidential" and you'll naturally speak more intimately or at a lower volume, which avoids strain on your voice.

  • Saline nasal spray or wash can clear out mucus and strengthen your voice. Check out a neti pot to help relieve sinus pressure; just be careful to following instructions properly.

  • Ibuprofen or aspirin are good to have on hand to help with a sore throat, fever, or headache.

  • Cough suppressant can get you through your session, too. Less coughing means less strain on your vocal chords.

  • Doctor-prescribed corticosteroids to decrease inflammation, if speaking is something you absolutely must do and none of the above suggestions is helping.


Doctor in blue gloves examines patient's neck in a medical office with blue partitions. The patient appears calm and thoughtful.

Laura's Quick Tips of What NOT to Do!

  1. Don't clear your throat - it's actually harsher on your voice. Try swallowing instead.

  2. Avoid alcohol and caffeine - they dehydrate your system, which is counter-productive.

  3. Don't push through a fading voice, you'll only strain it.

  4. Don't whisper, it'll only make the problem worse. That's because whispering pulls your vocal cords tight, where they can't vibrate, and actually puts extra strain on them.

  5. Don't shout or sing - these may merit a "duh," but know that even a little shout or song can worsen your voice very quickly.


How frequently do you lose your voice?

  • 0%Once a year

  • 0%2-3 times a year

  • 0%Rarely - I'm pretty healthy!


How long will this last?!

If you have laryngitis, you may find yourself without your usual strong voice for a week or two. Some winter viruses that make the circuit can drain your vocal strength for 3-5 weeks longer, unfortunately. That's certainly happened to me and it's very frustrating. Laryngitis takes time to heal. Your vocal cords or voice box are irritated or swollen, and that just takes time. If it continues to persist after a few weeks, then it's time to see your doctor. If the laryngitis is caused by a bacterial infection, you may be prescribed antibiotics. If instead it's related to a candida or yeast infection, you may be given an antifungal.


Maybe your problem is related to sinusitis? If you have a persistent infection, that allergy you think you have that causes you to reach constantly for the tissues and clear your throat may warrant a visit to your friendly, neighborhood ENT specialist. Check it out - always better safe than sorry!


 

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I'm Laura Doman, a voice & TV/film actor and video communications coach. As an actor, I create memorable characters that tell my client's stories well, from the friendly CEO to your sassy best gal pal dispensing real-world advice. As a coach, I help you become more comfortable and charismatic on camera in videos, presentations, and online appearances.


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