We all speak for a living; we use our voices to communicate, to present, to train, to teach, to inspire, provide customer service, to preach, and to respond. What happens that the voice on which we depend simply shuts down, turns raspy, and no longer cooperates.
Some say that the eyes are the windows to the body; peering into one’s eyes can tell an ophthalmologist what else is happening internally. And, some say that the voice is the mirror to the soul and spirit. When was the last time that you listened to your own voice? Did you sense the clarity? Was there a resonant quality? How did the experience make you feel?
We know our bodies best; when we listen to our bodies, we get unique signals about how we are doing, how we are feeling, and if things are going well. The same is true of voice…if we listen to our voice, we sense how things are working, and if we need to take special steps to preserve our gift of voice! 
We all speak for a living; we use our voices to communicate, to present, to train and more. Those of us who use our voices to make a living can suffer from voice fatigue, loss of voice, hoarseness. Perhaps it is time to care for our unique gift – the gift that keeps referrals coming our way and repeat performances on our calendars.
Try these simple tips:
- Drink enough water
- Avoid irritants including environmental agents or self-imposed irritants like coffee, tea, alcohol, cigarettes, spicy foods
- Get sufficient rest; a tired body has a tired voice
- Use your voice wisely, project with confidence and care
What are you doing to protect and defend…your voice, that is?