Many wish they had a different voice

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), April, 2005

The eyes might be the mirror to the soul, but what your voice sounds like is apt to make a first impression--good or bad. A survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the Cepacol line of sore throat-soothing products found that 21% of adults feel a person's voice is as important as his or her looks, while 17% maintain that an individual's voice indicates how educated he or she is. Moreover, 16% of people wish they could alter their voice in some way.

The prime causes of voice strain are misuse and overuse. One example is yelling, which puts severe friction and pressure on the vocal cords, and, in time, even may lead to the formation of calluses, better known as "nodes." Clearing your throat frequently also can induce strain and, oddly enough, whispering can be almost as damaging as yelling.

"Your body is your speaking instrument, so taking care of your voice and taking care of your body are equally important," says well-known voice coach Renee Grant-Williams, whose clients include singers Faith Hill, Christina Aguilera, and the Dixie Chicks. "People make judgments based on voices because the condition of your voice reflects the care you take in maintaining general physical fitness. Take the time to care for it by following some simple rules: get adequate rest, drink lots of fluids to hydrate your environment, eat sensibly, and keep your body, brain, and, of course, voice, well exercised."

Grant-Williams offers some additional tips on how to keep cords in check:

* Maintain a fairly consistent body temperature by layering clothing and being prepared for excessive air-conditioning.

* Proper breathing and good support are important in protecting the voice from the effects of overuse. This helps take the pressure off the throat by engaging the strong muscles of the lower body, instead of those around the throat and neck.

* Limit contact with those who are sick, especially during cold and flu season, and get an annual flu shot.

* Wash hands thoroughly and often and use sanitizers to clean shared equipment, such as phones.

* Avoid clearing your throat regularly.

* Keep the shouting matches during sporting events to a minimum.