8 MORE WAYS TO RUIN YOUR SINGING VOICE & CAREER

Professional & aspiring singers must take excellent care of the voice to maintain it in optimum condition. In the previous article, ‘8 ways to ruin your singing voice & career’, I have discussed the following habits that can harm a singer’s voice.

1. Misuse & abuse your voice when you speak 

2. Do not warm up your voice before singing 

3. Avoid taking vocal coaching & training 

4. Push your voice beyond its existing limits 

5. Sing music that does not suit your voice 

6. Sing & speak over background noise 

7. Tire yourself out 

8. Teach music 

Here are 8 more habits that can harm your voice & shorten your career. Being aware of them & avoiding them will contribute to a healthy & vibrant voice, and a long & successful career.

9. Smoke, Chew Tobacco, Use Shisha & Hookah 

The adverse effects of tobacco are scientifically documented. Tobacco consumption in any form affects your health & voice. Cigarettes, cigars, beedis, gutkha, hookah & sheesha contain not only nicotine but harmful chemicals like tar, carbon monoxide, hydrogen cyanide. In the short term, smoking irritates the lining of the vocal folds & produces inflammation (redness & swelling) of the vocal folds. It reduces the capacity of your lungs. Chewing gutkha & tobacco containing products causes submucous fibrosis, which restricts the movement of the jaw & mouth. The long- term health consequences of smoking & tobacco chewing include cancer of the larynx (voice-box) & lungs, emphysema, cancers of the throat & mouth and heart disease, among others.

10. Drink alcohol 

Alcohol affects the voice in many ways. It dehydrates the body & vocal folds. As a result, the mucous membranes or lining of the mouth, throat and vocal folds become dry. Dehydrated vocal folds are more prone to developing vocal injuries & disorders. Alcohol causes acid reflux, which affects the voice. [for more information refer to the article- Effects of Acid Reflux on the Voice & How to Prevent it]. Excessive consumption of alcohol affects muscle co-ordination, which affects the fine tuning of the vocal instrument. Alcohol reduces sensory input and affects your vocal technique. Intoxication caused by excessive alcohol reduces your inhibition & vocal control, and the singer may end up pushing the voice beyond its limits, causing vocal injuries. Alcohol dependence affects the discipline required for a successful career as a singer.

11. Don’t watch what you eat 

Spicy & oily food, excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine in coffee, colas, & chocolates lead to acid reflux - stomach acid spilling over into your larynx. As a result, there is inflammation - swelling & redness of the lining of the throat and vocal folds. Caffeine and alcohol also dehydrate the vocal folds, making them prone to vocal injuries. Other habits that cause acid reflux include eating late at night, lying down immediately after a meal, and singing on a full or an empty stomach. Eat small, healthy & frequent meals.

                                   Dr. Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L

12. Use recreational or lifestyle drugs 

Singers may use recreational or lifestyle drugs because of the stress involved in a career as a performer. Cocaine which is often used by performers can damage the lining of the nose, throat & larynx. It can affect the nervous system, reducing sensory awareness, decreasing vocal control and increasing the tendency towards abusive vocal habits. Marijuana, alcohol & barbiturates also have similar effects.

13. Avoid Exercise 

Singing is comparable to an athletic activity. It requires an aligned body & spine, respiratory conditioning, vocal flexibility, range & power, and good general health. More so, if singing is combined with dancing and acting. Indian singers often sit for long hours while practicing or teaching music. Maintaining appropriate body weight and regular aerobic workout combined with exercises for muscle tone, strength & flexibility, contribute to vocal health. Daily practice of breathing, resonance, vocal, & speech exercises is essential, regardless of whether you are an accomplished or amateur singer.

14. See your voice doctor only when your voice is damaged beyond repair 

Many singers delay seeing a doctor till their voice worsens. Sometimes they wait till just a few days before their performance to seek medical help. Adequate time between a doctor’s visit and an impending performance improves the chances of full recovery as it gives sufficient time for effective medical care. Performing with a vocal problem or injury can have deleterious effects on the voice. Early diagnosis & preventive care contribute to long term vocal health and save a lot of wear & tear on the voice.

15. Prescribe your own medicines 

Singers often self- medicate. They treat every sore throat as a throat infection and start themselves on inappropriate antibiotic treatment. Inadequate antibiotic therapy leads to resistant throat infections. Indian singers often use over-the- counter Ayurvedic & herbal preparations without consulting a doctor. It is important to seek medical advice for throat & voice related problems. Singers need to be aware that antihistamines, aspirin, antidepressants, medication used for hypertension & many other medicines adversely affect the voice by causing dryness or haemorrhage of the vocal folds.

16. Choose the wrong singing teacher 

The field of musical training in India is largely unorganized . Most light or Bollywood singers train in Hindustani (North Indian) classical singing. The vocal quality, tone, nuances & aesthetic requirements of light singing are different from traditional classical singing. Although it gives them a foundation in singing, some of them have difficulties transcending the differences. If you are a beginner, don’t take lessons from ‘any teacher down the street’, unless you know their background & capability as a teacher. A good singer may not necessarily be a good teacher. Don’t continue learning from a teacher if you feel he or she is not right for you. If your throat hurts or voice turns hoarse after voice lessons, it is a signal that you are harming your voice. Find the right teacher depending on the style of music you want to develop. If you are a beginner, avoid taking singing lessons in a group, as you might end up damaging your voice.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

Dr. Sadhana Nayak is a Mumbai based vocal medicine & E.N. T specialist and a voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained in Hindustani classical singing. Dr. Nayak has worked with singers, vocal artistes, actors & professional speakers in India, the U.S. A & Asia, helping them optimize their voice and recover from vocal problems & disorders

Website: www.drsadhananayak.com

Email: drnayakvoice@gmail.com

Mobile: +919819752312

Timing: 11 a.m- 5 p.m

8 WAYS TO RUIN YOUR SINGING VOICE & CAREER

Just as athletes and sportsmen are prone to physical injuries, singers are prone to vocal problems & injuries because of the extensive & exacting demands placed on their voice. However, many of the vocal problems that bring singers to a voice clinic can be prevented. Good singing is a fine-tuned athletic activity, involving the whole body. Singers are considered as ‘Olympic Athletes’ among professional voice users. Not surprising, as a singer needs voice quality & range, and higher levels of vocal endurance, flexibility & power compared to other vocal professionals. Considering the level of coordination required within various systems of the body to produce the voice, it is surprising that we manage to sing at all. Professional & aspiring singers must take excellent care of the voice to maintain the voice in optimum condition & to reduce the possibility of developing a voice disorder.

Here are 8 vocal patterns & habits that harm the voice & shorten a singing career. Being aware of them will help you develop a healthy & vibrant voice, and a long & successful career.

1.  Misuse & abuse your voice when you speak

Singers are aware of the careful & healthy use of the voice while singing. But, they forget that the same vocal instrument, that they use for singing is also used for speaking. Remember - healthy & optimal vocal usage is as important for speaking as it is for singing.

2.  Do not warm up your voice before singing

Just as you stretch the muscles of your body before physical exercise, warm up your vocal muscles before singing. Your warm up should include warming up the body, breathing, voice & the articulators -lips, tongue & jaw. Warming up your voice stretches the muscles used for speaking & singing. A morning warm-up is a good kick- start to make your voice functional & productive for the day. Warm up your voice before every practice session and performance.

3.  Avoid vocal coaching and training

Regardless of the musical style they sing, most Indian singers study Hindustani (North Indian) or Carnatic (South Indian) classical singing. There is a significant difference between culturing the voice for a musical genre & training the voice to learn healthy and efficient vocal technique. Train your voice so that you can explore & use the full potential of your voice for singing.

4.  Push your voice beyond its existing limits

Just as a runner does not expect to run a full marathon till she/he is fully trained, a singer should develop & improve vocal range, flexibility & power through regular practice. Work on your voice steadily & regularly till you reach your goal. Allow your voice to grow and improve with consistent & disciplined practice. Avoid singing in a pitch range that is not comfortable now, till you work on it and develop it. Don’t stretch your voice beyond its current limits as it may damage your vocal folds.

                                       Dr. SadhanaNayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L

5. Sing music that does not suit your voice

Each voice has its own intrinsic beauty and strength. Baritones can’t be tenors or sopranos can’t be altos. Get the best out of your natural voice through vocal training, a regulated and disciplined lifestyle and by following the principles of vocal hygiene. Appreciate and develop the inherent strengths of your voice. It is possible to maximize the potential of your natural voice through scientific vocal optimization training.

6. Sing and speak over background noise.

Indian singers, who perform live on stage or in clubs & bars are required to sing over the background sounds of an accompanying orchestra or an enthusiastic audience. Even well trained singers may face difficulties if they are singing for the first time with an orchestra or at an outdoor performance. This happens because auditory feedback is impaired. Ensure that monitor speakers are used, which direct the singer’s voice back to them so that they can hear their own voice. Remember that cars, buses and airplanes are particularly noisy. This forces you to speak loudly over background noise. Minimize your speaking to the absolute essential while travelling to your performance venue.

7. Tire yourself out

Singing is a coordinated and fine -tuned activity and requires regular dedicated practice, and adequate periods of rest for the body & the voice. Overworking & tiring yourself by taking on too many assignments, performing without adequate preparation & practice, extensive travelling & an unhealthy and erratic lifestyle is detrimental to your voice & career in the long run. The body and voice need periods of rest, adequate sleep, a healthy diet, hydration and regular exercise to maintain the long-term health, stamina & endurance of the voice. When we wear ourselves out, we interfere with the body’s ability to replenish its energy and balance.

8. Teach Music

If you want have a successful career as a performer or a playback singer, remember that teaching singing can affect your vocal health and harm your voice. Singing teachers in Mumbai & the big cities in India often travel to a student’s home to teach them. While teaching they often demonstrate the nuances of singing in the student’s vocal range. Many singing teachers use the harmonium to teach singing and may end up slouching over it, affecting their posture and the alignment of the spine, neck & shoulders. If you are planning to be a professional singer, become aware of your postural & vocal behavior while you teach & modify it.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

Dr. Sadhana Nayak is a Mumbai based vocal medicine & E.N. T specialist and a voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained in Hindustani classical singing. Dr. Nayak has worked with singers, vocal artistes, actors & professional speakers in India, the U.S. A & Asia, helping them optimize their voice and recover from vocal problems & disorders.

Website: www.drsadhananayak.com

Email: drnayakvoice@gmail.com

Mobile: +919819752312

Timing: 11 a.m- 5 p.m

Women-Find your Voice and Be Heard — Women’s Voices in the Indian Corporate & Business Environment

Location: The conference room of a large financial organization.

Agenda: To brainstorm ideas for a new service…… As the discussion gains momentum, one of the women vice presidents has an incredibly good idea shaping up in her head. After some hesitation, she clears her throat and tries to speak. But her soft, apologetic voice is lost among the high decibel male voices in the room.

The number of women in the corporate & business environment in India is on the rise. And yet, women have a hard time being heard. They feel that their voice often undermines their message in a male dominated setup. Women have to contend with unique challenges related to vocal communication in getting their point across. According to Caroline Turner, an expert on gender differences and a former corporate executive & business attorney, women’s voices are not fully heard in the business & corporate environment in the U.S.A. She says that “the feminine style of speaking sounds less confident as a woman speaks more humbly, often posing her point as a question. While a man speaks in declarative sentences, sounding confident, regardless of whether he has the facts or the expertise. In the business world, where the masculine style is the norm, the feminine style of speaking is perceived as lacking in confidence”.

In Asian countries like India, cultural & social factors often influence the way women use their body and voice to express themselves. As a result, free & full vocal expression is restricted. Women’s voices are often not heard in the corporate & business world.

Dr. Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L 

Many professional women do just about everything they can, to ‘disempower’ their voices. Some of the physical & vocal habits and factors that restrict effective & powerful vocal communication in women are:

1. Women often slouch, allowing the spine & chest to collapse and shoulders to slump forward. Apart from squeezing the voice, a collapsed spine & body convey diffidence

2. Women have a naturally higher pitch, compared to men, as they have shorter & thinner vocal folds, and a smaller larynx (voice-box). The pitch of the voice tends to rise further whenever a woman is nervous or under pressure. As a result, they end up sounding shrill, squeaky or immature – vocal qualities that undermine their professional ability.

3. Upspeak or uptalk is a trend among young urban professional women. It is a rising inflection at the end of a sentence, making every sentence sound like a question. The end result is that they sound unsure and diffident.

4. Women tend to speak with a breathy voice- a vocal habit where the vocal folds are held apart, allowing more air to escape. A breathy voice is soft & therefore not heard, and the speaker comes across as immature.

5. Women often develop breathing patterns & habits like taking in quick shallow breaths using the upper chest or holding the breath, to avoid expressing their point of view fully. This disempowers the voice, as the breath is the source of power for the voice.

6. Women tend to use an apologetic tone more than men as they have traditionally played a nurturing role in society.

Apart from physical & vocal patterns that women develop, the demands of fashion and use of modern technology have created additional problems for the woman’ s voice. Working on computers for long hours encourages women to slump. Clothes fitting snugly at the waist and on the chest do not

allow them to breathe deeply. High heels misalign the body and spine. Put together, it is a combination that restricts the voice.

Voice coaching starts with changing physical, breathing and vocal patterns to allow organic and free vocal expression. The coaching initially focuses on allowing a full flow of the voice through a relaxed & aligned body and spine, developing an empowered & supported breath, an open throat & a relaxed jaw. It progresses to clear speech and intonation- learning pitch inflections & volume variations, the power of pausing & pacing, and projecting the voice. The coaching is designed to help women in the corporate and business world find their voice and express themselves fully. A clear, smooth & modulated voice projected from a relaxed body conveys confidence and increases your credibility in any communication situation – whether it is a presentation, meeting, conference or a client interaction.

When you enhance the tone, flexibility, modulation and power of your voice, you project yourself and your ideas clearly, with all the energy and passion you feel. Every communication whether on the telephone, in a meeting or before an audience becomes an empowering experience.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

She is a Mumbai based vocal medicine specialist and voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained business leaders, corporate speakers, actors, news anchors and singers in India and the U.S.A

Website: www.drsadhananayak.com

Email: drnayakvoice@gmail.com

Mobile: +919819752312

Timing: 11 a.m- 5 p.m

REASONS WHY YOUR VOICE ISN’T IMPROVING

It can be a harsh feeling to realize that you aren’t reaching those singing goals that you so desperately wanted to. However, realizing this fact, accepting it, and working on it is the first step towards making improvements and reaching success.

Here are some possible reasons why you haven’t been able to improve your singing voice. 

You don’t possibly know what you want

Of course, everyone who aspires to be a singer desired to sound good in all way possible. But a common issue that can be noticed quite often is that most people don’t really know what they want, or it means to have a good sound. One needs to be focused on what they really want. Do you desire to sound warmer? Richer? Stronger? More delicate? Lighter? With voice training for singers, you can achieve whatever you desire.

You are not practicing

Yes, life does gets in the way now and then. We start convincing ourselves that some other task is more important than practicing, and gradually motivation is lost. The voice coach for actors will tell you how important it is to schedule your practice sessions as non-negotiables. 

You are practicing but not in the right way

You could be a regular practicer, but still notice not enough improvements in your voice. A possible reason behind this could be that you might not be practicing in the right way, or you might be rushing things over. One needs a concrete technical focus to truly excel. Figure out the areas you need to work on and spend enough time to improve that one areas, then move on to other areas. 

The Importance of Hydration for a Healthy Voice

Hydration is important for healthy vocal folds. Drinking enough water to keep your body hydrated is vital for it to function efficiently. The adult human body is approximately 60- 65 % water. Dehydration or inadequate hydration affects every cell, organ and system in the body, including the vocal system. Those who seek help for voice problems & disorders are often not aware of the importance of hydration. They usually have their own reasons for not drinking enough water - some who drink as few as 1-2 glasses a day because they think it is adequate; others who believe their tea, coffee or cola intake takes care of their hydration; some who argue that they don’t drink water since they don’t feel thirsty.

How does inadequate water intake affect the voice?

Inadequate water affects the efficient functioning of the vocal folds. The vocal folds are responsible for phonation i.e converting the airflow from the exhaled breath into acoustic energy or the raw sound. When we speak, the vocal folds vibrate & there is contact between the two vocal folds. Normally, the natural structure of the vocal fold lining and a thin layer of mucus protect the vocal folds from voice problems or injuries, that can be caused by long hours of speaking or singing. Mucus acts as a lubricant for the vibrating vocal folds & water provides the raw material for producing mucus. If you don’t drink enough water, mucus tends to be thick & viscous [sticky], and the vocal fold tissues dry up. This makes your vocal folds vulnerable to voice disorders. Water also hydrates and lubricates the mucous membranes [lining] of the throat and mouth, making speaking & singing easier. Dehydration increases your vocal effort while speaking or singing.

Professional voice users and performers, including corporate & business speakers, actors, singers, television anchors, newscasters & radio jockeys use their voice for long hours, often at the extremes of their pitch & volume range. Using the voice for long hours tends to dry up the throat because we often breathe through the mouth while speaking or singing. They work in dry environments like airconditioned offices, studios, that further contribute to drying of the throat & voice. As a result, they are vulnerable to vocal problems and injuries, if they fail to drink enough water.

Recognizing dehydration or dryness of the vocal folds

These are a few indicators [Note that the following symptoms could also indicate other vocal or health problems]

• Your mouth and throat feel dry and scratchy

• You often need to clear your throat

• Your urine looks yellow/dark

• Voice use is effortful

• You feel thirsty very often

A few factors that contribute to dehydration of the vocal folds

• Caffeine in coffee, cocoa, chocolates, colas

• Alcohol

• Dry, polluted, hot & airconditioned environments

• Excess consumption of sugar/ sweets/ lozenges

• Mouth breathing- habitual or due to a blocked nose

• Health issues like diabetes, hypertension, anemia, among others

• Medication used for colds, cough, depression, anxiety, hypertension, very high doses of vitamin C, among others

                                Dr. Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L 
                                             
Staying hydrated for a healthy voice

The amount of water you drink depends on your voice use, health, lifestyle, physical activity and environment. A general recommendation for healthy adults, especially if you are a professional or occupational voice user, is between 2.5 to 3.5 liters of water in a day. Here are a few ways to keep your body & vocal folds hydrated, however busy you are. [Check if you have renal, cardiac or other health issues, that call for restriction of water intake]

• Keep sipping water. Don’t wait till you are thirsty. Thirst is a sign of dehydration

• Eat fruits and vegetables as they will contribute to your water intake. They will also give you the additional health benefits from fiber, vitamins and minerals

• Reduce your consumption of coffee, colas, alcohol & other vocal dehydrators. For every unit of coffee, colas, alcohol you consume, drink extra water

• If you live or work in an air conditioned, smoky or dusty environment or under hot lights in a studio or on stage, drink more water

• If you exercise or work out regularly, compensate for the loss of water through sweating, by drinking more water

• Keep water handy at all times. Always carry a bottle of water with you. Have a bottle or two at your work desk.

• Start your day with a glass or two of water.

• The color of your urine is an indicator of how well hydrated you are. The paler, the better.

• Air travel dehydrates the vocal folds. Speak less and drink more water when you fly.

• Keep your vocal folds well hydrated before a performance, presentation or rehearsal

• Seek medical help if you are a mouth breather


Does drinking water during a performance/presentation help in hydrating the vocal folds?

This will instantly moisten the lining membranes of your mouth and throat, but it takes time to reach your vocal folds. Water reaches all the cells in your body, including those in your vocal folds through the blood stream. It takes anywhere between 45 to 90 minutes for water to reach your vocal folds & hydrate them.

Warm or cold water?

What is more important is to drink enough water, whichever way you like it. If cold water does not affect your throat, there is no reason for you to stop drinking it. However, drinking cold or iced water just before or during a performance may contract/tighten the throat muscles & constrict/ shrink the blood vessels. Water at room temperature, before and during a presentation/performance is a safe bet.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

She is a Mumbai based vocal medicine specialist and voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained business leaders, corporate speakers, actors, news anchors and singers in India and the U.S.A

Website: www.drsadhananayak.com

Email: drnayakvoice@gmail.com

Mobile: +919819752312

Timing: 11 a.m- 5 p.m

Power Speaking for Presentations

For most speakers, preparing for a presentation involves working on the content and power point slides. ‘What you say’ is important. But ‘How you say it’, is what transforms a good presentation into an excellent one. If you want to be perceived as a charismatic and memorable speaker, learn to prepare ‘Your- Self’ - your voice, breath, body and vocal delivery for presentations , so that you exude confidence & presence while speaking.

Preparing Your Voice, Breath, Body and Vocal Delivery for Presentations

• Tap into the full potential of your breath. Learn thoracoabdominal breathing – how to use the lower chest and abdomen (belly) effectively, to power your voice

• Develop healthy posture. Learn to keep your spine and body aligned.

• Practise exercises to keep your jaw and throat relaxed so that your voice sounds resonant and richer

• Find and use your optimal vocal pitch, which is usually in the lower half of your pitch range

• Practise speaking at the right pace so that you are not too fast or too slow. Learn to vary the pace at which you speak, so that you sound interesting

• Learn to use the right tone of voice so that you sound authoritative, credible and confident

• Practise articulation or speech exercises so that your words are clear & precise, and your audience receives your message

• Learn to stress on the right words, using pitch & volume variations and effective pauses, so that your audience can make meaning of what you are saying

                                      Dr. Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L

• Practise effective intonation or voice modulation by using a combination of variations in pitch, volume, pauses, & the pace or speed at which you speak, to hold the attention of your audience

• Learn how to project your voice. Projection is a healthy and effective way of making yourself heard.

• Practise your vocal delivery regularly for a few days before the presentation. Your vocal delivery should empower your message & effectively convey your professional image

• Record your presentation and listen to it objectively. Check if you are sounding monotonous, unclear, shrill, breathy, nasal, too fast or slow, too soft or loud, and work on it

• Practise your presentation in front of a mirror. You will get to see & understand how you use your body and breathing for speaking

• Improvise every time you practise, so that you sound spontaneous. Develop a conversational and natural style of speaking.

• Take a few relaxed breaths, align your spine, center your body, before you start your presentation.

• Avoid holding your breath when you are planning what to say next.

• Learn to make effective use of pauses. Don’t use vocal fillers like ‘Uhm, Uh’. Breathe whenever you pause.

• Avoid using long sentences that will strain your breathing. Your audience will also find it difficult to understand you.

• Speak at a pace that is not too fast or slow. Vary your pace depending on your content.

• Make yourself interesting with vocal variations, often referred to as voice modulation.

• Warm up your voice regularly before every presentation.

• Avoid wearing high heels and waist hugging clothes, that squeeze your body & breath, and affect the alignment of your spine & body.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

She is a Mumbai based vocal medicine specialist and voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained business leaders, corporate speakers, actors, news anchors and singers in India and the U.S.A


Website : www.drsadhananayak.com

Email : drnayakvoice@gmail.com

Mobile : +919819752312

Timing : 11 a.m- 5 p.m

Effects of Acid Reflux on the Voice and how to Prevent It

Have you ever woken up in the morning, after a late-night dinner with a hoarse voice or pain in the throat? Do you often feel the need to clear your throat? You will be surprised to know that acid reflux or acidity, as it is commonly known, could be one of the reasons for these symptoms. Most people are familiar with common symptoms of acid reflux such as heart burn, burping or a sour taste in the mouth. What they are not aware of, is that acid reflux or laryngopharyngeal reflux often presents with symptoms related to the voice, throat and breathing.

What is Reflux Laryngitis or Laryngopharyngeal Reflux (LPR)? What causes it?

Laryngopharyngeal reflux or reflux laryngitis is swelling or inflammation of the lining of the throat and larynx (voice box). It occurs in those who suffer from GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), commonly referred to as acid reflux or acidity. Reflux laryngitis or LPR is caused by acid in the stomach backing up the esophagus (food pipe) into the throat. Since the larynx is located in the throat, at the junction of the windpipe (trachea)and food pipe (esophagus), reflux laryngitis usually produces symptoms related to the throat, voice and breathing which most people are not aware of.

There is scientific data, that shows that almost 60% of people, who suffer from GERD/acid reflux have laryngopharyngeal symptoms i.e symptoms in the voice and throat. In addition, some studies have pointed out that acid reflux, combined with smoking and alcohol use, increase the risk of cancers of the larynx and throat.

Dr. Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L

Common symptoms of laryngopharyngeal reflux

The following are some of the common symptoms of reflux laryngitis

• Burning sensation in the throat
• Coughing
• Heartburn or burning sensation in the upper chest
• Sore throat or pain in the throat
• Need to clear the throat frequently
• Increase in the time taken to warm up the voice, usually noticed by singers
• Hoarse or rough voice, especially in the morning
• Sensation of lump in the throat or discomfort while swallowing
• Excessive mucus in the throat
• Bitter or acid taste in the mouth
• Bad breath
• Coated tongue
• Breathing problems sometimes resembling an asthmatic attack


How can laryngopharyngeal reflux be prevented or managed through dietary and lifestyle changes?

Considering the negative effects of acid reflux on the voice, throat and breathing, professional vocalists and vocal artistes including speakers, actors, singers and others are advised to follow a few simple measures, dietary and lifestyle changes, listed below, to conserve their voice. Diet and lifestyle modifications are usually effective in managing reflux laryngitis. However, if you continue to have symptoms suggestive of acid reflux, in spite of diet and lifestyle modification or use of over-the-counter antacids, seek medical advice.

• Eat small and frequent meals
• Increase fiber intake
• Reduce your intake of fats, spicy, oily and fried foods
• Avoid highly seasoned & processed foods
• Reduce the intake of caffeine containing products including coffee, cocoa and chocolates
• Avoid or reduce the intake of alcohol
• Stop consuming tobacco in any form including chewing gutkha and smoking
• Avoid strongly flavored candies, lozenges, breath fresheners
• Chew food properly.
• Avoid large dinners. Do not lie down for 2 to 3 hours after dinner.
• Elevate the head end of your bed at night, around 6 – 12 inches by placing pillows or a foam wedge under the mattress or bricks under the legs of the head end.
• Wear loose clothing. Avoid clothes that fit tightly across the middle of the body viz. girdles, belts
• Minimize activities that require heavy lifting or bending.
• Lose weight if you are overweight
• Stress can increase acid production. Learn strategies to manage stress. Maintain a relaxed attitude in your activities.

About Dr. Sadhana Nayak

She is a Mumbai based vocal medicine specialist and voice coach for professional and artistic voice users. She has trained business leaders, corporate speakers, actors, news anchors and singers in India and the U.S.A


Website: www.drsadhananayak.com
Email: drnayakvoice@gmail.com
Mobile: +919819752312
Timing: 11 a.m- 5 p.m

Are you projecting a positive and winning vocal image?

A positive vocal image is the secret of successful business, corporate & political leaders, and media personalities. The inflections, modulation, projection, energy & quality of your voice, and clarity of speech comprise your vocal image.   During verbal communication, your vocal image sends signals about who you are and helps your listeners decide whether they will continue to listen to your ideas & words and act on them. And all this happens in a few seconds at a subconscious level. It is well known that our appearance and how we present ourselves has an instant impact on the people we meet. What we are not aware of is that once the initial impact of our appearance has worn off, what stays with people is our vocal image.

Your vocal image is the instant impression that listeners form of you, based on the sound of your voice and it is an impression that stays with them. Your vocal image decides how your listeners perceive you and respond to you. Within 6-12 seconds of listening to your voice, your audience has assessed you and made up their mind about what kind of a person you are, and what they think & feel about you. They have already formed an impression about your personality, character and intellectual ability, and decided whether they will continue listening to you or mentally switch off.

Dr.  Sadhana Nayak M.S [Otolaryngology], D.O.R.L

Your vocal image defines your personal and professional image. It has the potential to make or break your career, since your listeners often draw conclusions about your ability and personality, based on the way you speak. In situations like job & promotion interviews, presentations & public speaking, client briefs, business & professional interactions, videoconferencing & telephonic communication, speaking as an expert on television or radio, your voice image helps you create a lasting first impression on your listeners in a short time. Studies have shown that people with an effective vocal image were considered more intelligent and attractive as compared to those who looked good but had a negative vocal image.

What is your vocal image saying about you?

We automatically associate voices with personalities. Following are a few examples of a negative vocal image and the personality traits attributed to the speaker, based on their vocal image:

•  High pitched, squeaky voice - Nervous, high strung, irritating, immature

•  Hard hitting voice - Aggressive

•  Nasal, whiny voice - Complainer

•  Curt staccato tone- Rude, unfriendly

•  Soft inaudible voice, mumbling - Introvert, shy, diffident

•  Overtly loud voice - Dominating, arrogant

•  Monotonous - Boring, uninteresting, dull

•  Upward inflections at the end of sentences - Indecisive, unsure

•  Shrill, piercing tone of voice - Irritating, pushy

•  Sing-song rhythm of speaking- Immature, childish

•  Fast pace of speaking -  Anxious

•  Slow pace of speaking with long pauses - Boring

•  Dropping sounds at the end of words & sentences – Careless, lazy

Is it possible to transform your vocal image?

It is possible to cultivate an effective voice image and convey the professional and personal image you desire. Almost 45-50% of professionals in urban India are dissatisfied with the sound of their voice. Most of them accept it as their natural voice, as they have always sounded like this, from as far back as they remember. This is not true.

You are born with a free, vibrant, clear and expressive voice, which is your authentic voice. Your physical vocal instrument involves various systems including your body, breathing, throat, mouth, vocal folds [vocal cords] and speech organs. We often develop negative vocal habits, patterns & tensions at each stage in the process of voice production, without being aware of it.  If you want to transform your vocal image, you must work on your vocal instrument to unleash the free, vibrant, clear and expressive voice that you were born with- your authentic voice. If you want to project a personal and professional image of confidence, credibility & authority, you need to unlearn all the vocal & physical habits and patterns, that restrict & limit your authentic voice. Voice science & medicine have made great progress in the last 20 years and we have a much better understanding of how the voice works and effective approaches to enhance your vocal image.

Most of us spend a lifetime, acquiring the necessary knowledge and expertise in our area of work. We also need to learn how to convey our personality & expertise through the right vocal image. Whether you are on stage or on camera, in the boardroom or at a client brief, it is a positive vocal image that helps you sound authoritative & credible, command attention, and connect with your listener.