If you’re a podcaster, you’ll know how frustrating it is when your voice decides to take a little holiday during allergy season or a cold. There’s nothing worse than feeling like you’re sounding like a frog croaking into the mic—especially when you’ve got a recording deadline looming. But fear not! With a little care, you can keep your voice strong and steady, no matter the sniffles or seasonal woes.
Why Vocal Health Matters
As a podcaster, your voices is your instrument. If you don’t take care of your voice, it can quickly become strained, hoarse, or flat-out fecked. Keeping your vocal cords in top form means you can continue to sound clear, confident, and natural, without risking long-term damage.
Here’s why vocal health should be top of your list:
– Consistent Sound: A well-cared-for voice sounds steady and smooth, no matter how long you record for.
– Prevents Vocal Strain: No one wants to be hoarse and croaky halfway through a session. Proper vocal care helps prevent strain and fatigue, so you can avoid sounding like you’ve just run a marathon.
– Saves Time and Stress: Less time spent worrying about your voice means more time recording and connecting with your audience. Plus you’ll save recording time if you don’t have to keep re-doing the lines where your voice cuts out.
Top Tips to Keep Your Voice Healthy
Here are a few handy tips to keep your voice in prime condition during allergy and cold season:
1. Stay Hydrated, Mate!
Drink plenty of water—this is non-negotiable. Dehydration makes your vocal cords dry and more prone to strain. Opt for warm water, herbal teas (not too hot!), or soothing broths to keep your throat feeling comfy.
2. Gargle with Salt Water
This old-school trick is a winner. Gargling with warm salt water can help clear your throat, reduce inflammation, and ease any irritation. Do this a few times a day, especially if you’re feeling a little scratchy in the throat.
3. Steam Up
Steaming is like a spa day for your throat. The heat can help release tension in the throat from coughing and kill any bugs building up in there. Get yourself a Dr Nelson’s Inhaler and use it in the morning and evening, or fill a bowl with hot water, drape a towel over your head, and breathe deeply to hydrate your vocal cords. Even a hot shower will work! It’s like a warm hug for your vocal folds!
4. Rest Your Voice
As much as you love recording, your voice needs some downtime too. If you’re feeling under the weather, take breaks between sessions. Don’t push through and risk making things worse. Tell your producer you need a few days – they’ll udnerstand if they want you to sound at your best. It’s better to rest your voice and get back at it later with a fresh sound.
5. Avoid Throat Clearing
If you’ve got a tickle in your throat, avoid clearing it—this can actually irritate your vocal cords. Instead, try swallowing or sipping some water. If the tickle persists, do some gentle humming or sighs to soothe your throat without straining.
6. Warm Up Your Voice
Just like you wouldn’t start running a marathon without warming up, don’t dive straight into your podcast recording without a vocal warm-up. Try humming, lip trills, or even gentle humming scales to get your voice ready for action. It’s like stretching before a workout! There’s a warm-up for podcasters here.
Looking after your voice is a lifelong commitment. I don’t know about you, but I wanna be annoying my listeners with podcasts long into auld age. And vocal health isn’t something you can neglect during allergy or cold season and expect to bounce back without issues. So, get into the habit of caring for your voice every day, whether you’re sick or not.
Want a Healthy, Strong Podcast Voice All Year Round?
Taking care of your voice now will keep you sounding great long-term. Download my free vocal warm-up to keep your voice in tip-top shape and ready for every podcast recording!