Ten TG Voice Tips
by Denae Doyle
1. WATCH OUT FOR DRYNESS.
Dry climates, excessive talking, poor intake of water
or clear liquids, and too much caffeine (to name a few) will dry out the
throat and vocal folds. When the vocal folds become dry, they become stiffer,
which makes it much harder to control your pitch. You may experience more
pitch and voice breaks when your dehydrated. Depending on body size and
the climate where you live, most TG women should consume between two and
four liters of water daily. Remember the saying, "pee pale."
2. GET YOUR BEAUTY REST.
Poor sleep is near the top of the list of problems that
have a negative impact on the voice. Inadequate sleep results in physical
fatigue causing a loss of mental focus on your voice techniques. Common
remedies include the use of ear plugs, eye shades and room darkening window
coverings. Also avoid caffeine, sugar, and junk food. Practice meditative
or breathing relaxation techniques on a regular basis and go to bed when
you're tired, don't resist sleep.
3. AVOID YOUR SMOKING AND USE OF ALCOHOL, DRUGS AND
MARIJUANA.
Alcohol and most recreational drugs (i.e., cocaine)
have a significant drying and irritating effect on the vocal folds. Marijuana
and cigarette smoke are highly irritating to the delicate issues (mucosa)
of the vocal folds. The heat and dry smoke "burn" the vocal
mucosa causing redness, swelling (in some cases) and poor vibration.
4. AVOID THROAT CLEARING.
The vocal folds make contact (vibrate) every time you
make a sound. When you clear your throat, the vocal folds "slap"
together, which, if done excessively, will irritate your vocal folds.
Sip water instead of clearing your throat. Keep a water bottle (near room
temperature) with you at all times. If you experience excessive mucous
and feel it's impossible to avoid clearing your throat, contact your doctor-there
may be medical problems underlying the excessive mucous production.
5. DO YOU SUFFER FROM ACID REFLUX?
Gastroesphageal reflux is a medical problem that requires
diagnosis and treatment by your physician. Symptoms of gastric reflux
are not always consistent with heart-burn. If you experience excessive
mucous, a bitter taste in your mouth, a rough "morning" voice,
or frequent belching, you may have acid reflux. Contact your doctor. Acid
is a problem for the TG woman's voice because the chronic irritation to
the vocal folds from stomach acid will make it very difficult for you
to have a "beautiful" feminine voice.
6. AVOID EXCESSIVE LOUD TALKING.
When environmental background noise is high, when we're
talking on the telephone, or in the car, there is a natural phenomenon
to push the voice (called the Lombard Effect). This vocal strain can create
vocal fold irritation and leave you with a rough, husky voice. The solution
is to learn techniques for controlling airflow and reducing tension in
the neck when you speak in noise.
7. BREATHE RIGHT FOR A BETTER VOICE.
The single best technique you can learn for your voice
is abdominal/diaphragmatic breathing. There are many ways to learn these
techniques. Learn to speak from your diaphragm.
8. THAT DARN TELEPHONE.
"Yes, sir," may be two of the most annoying
words when you're speaking to someone on the telephone. The answer to
this problem is to warm-up your voice and "tune" your pitch
before you makes calls. Use an upward inflection when you speak. Avoid
speaking in a whisper.
9. WHEN YOU'RE SICK (with a cold).
Acute laryngitis occurs when your sick with the flu
or a bacterial infection. The "common cold" sometimes affect
the voice, and when it does your pitch will drop significantly. Treat
your cold, rest your voice, drink plenty of water and warm-up gently.
When in doubt REST YOUR VOICE.
10. MEDICATION.
Some medications (like tricyclic antidepressants and
decongestants for treating allergies) have a drying effect. The solution
is to speak with your doctor about your medications if you are experiencing
excessive dryness that does not resolve by increasing your hydration.
Interview with Denae Doyle and Kathy Perez Voice Pathlogiost in CO.
Denae Doyle ~ Femininity Coach ~ Private Consultations
available in the Bay Area.
"Feminine Movement" Instructional DVD / VHS for the
TG Woman. www.FemImage.com
DenaeDoyle@FemImage.com
PO Box 2977
Santa Cruz, CA 95065
(831) 479.1282
|
<
