0868 – Your Voice in Winter - 3

2023.05.18 – 0868 – Your Voice in Winter - 3

6. Prep and Pacing  

Packed public transportation as people rush to prep, humans hurrying from one side of the city/county/planet to the other for the holidays, re-cycled aeroplane air, closed windows on buses and trains, big parties in small rooms, plus throw in mixed age groups, holiday hugs and mistletoe kisses and plates of food being passed around … frankly it’s a surprise we are all still here!

It could all be an assault on your general, physical and mental health, so make sure you eat and drink properly; sleep well; hand sanitiser is not just for pandemics; stay hydrated; boost your immune system before the season as over the counter remedies can be drying to your voice (see episode 764).

If you get ill, your voice will suffer.

7. Concerts and Carols

If you are appearing in a performance, panto or show, it’s not just your voice you need to take care of but your colleagues. You have a responsibility to the rest of the cast to be careful with things like hygiene, hugs, and bugs. Joy is lovely to spread at this time of year, colds and flu aren’t, so have time off if you feel a cough.

If you’re performing outside, maybe as a narrator or ‘local celebrity’ turning on holiday lights, or carolling, arrive early and allow your body and larynx to acclimatise to the cold air after being in a warm car. (Musicians and those with cameras allow their equipment to adjust first and so should you with yours.) Take more frequent, smaller breaths through nose and mouth rather than normal. Big, gasping breaths through the mouth will tend to chill the larynx.

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