Improve performance on the microphone: Vocal health

Singing is one those prominent professions within entertainment industry today. Nigeria has produced reputable artists King Sunny Ade, Onyeka Onwenu, Sade Adu and  younger artists 2 Face, D Banj, Omawunmi and so many others are upcoming. Singing is not without it own hazards one which affects the vocal fords and quality of your voice. If you loose your voice what happens to your career. Voice strain and injury to the vocal folds are some of the hazards of singing.
Sound is normally produced by the vocal folds alongside supporting muscles and cartilages (collectively called Larynx) which can suffer strain from excessive use and hitting high notes. To improve your vocal health

• Take up to eight - ten glasses off water each day if your saliva is still dry then take more.

• Drink more of decaffeinated and non alcoholic drinks
• Avoid forcefully  clearing your throat.
• use of  Uh-huh or grunting or forcefully clearing your throat  is not helpful
• Avoid first hand or second hand cigarette smoking
• Speak slowly try not to squeeze in a few other words when out of one natural breath cycle.
• Enhance your voice at public speaking events with a microphone
• Stay away from fatty, spicy foods, alcohol should be minimized to 2 beers if at all
• Try as much as possible to face the person you are talking to and mouth your words.
• Avoid yelling, shouting instead clap to draw attention
• Use a soft voice rather than whispering
• Spend less time on the phone
• Strain, pain or croaking voice are signs of vocal cord injury. If you notice this then try to rest your voice alongside your body. Should complaints last longer than 2 weeks then see your doctor