Yo, Ho, Ho! Now is the time for Christmas parties, but it is also the time for looking after your voice, to ensure you don’t lose it, damage it or strain it.
At this time of the year we are all attending a number of events: from drinks with your clients, meeting with friends for Christmas drinks; dinners; parties. The list is endless. This is also a time of year, that you could strain or even damage your voice if you aren’t careful. Of course, I don’t want to be a party pooper, but there are some simple things to do, to avoid risking damaging your voice.
In the latest podcast, I share top tips to avoid vocal strain. Listen to the podcast These are all common sense tips.
- At parties, they are often in warm places (rather than outside!) It is easy to get warm and then go into the cold outside. This is horrid for voices! Particularly if you are going from warm venue to the cold regularly (at a bar crawl or other activity). Remember to wear a coat when you go outside and a scarf around your throat, as your throat loves being warm.
- Plenty of parties are really noisy with very loud music. Many restaurants have now been designed in such a way that they are really noisy. If you want to chat to friends, these places aren’t the best locations. Find somewhere quieter to chat. It is no co-incidence that loos in noisy venues are very crowded! If you have to shout over loud music it is very easy to strain or damage your voice, so do with caution.
- Alcohol: it can really dry the voice – or at least it dehydrates the body and your vocal folds are very sensitive to hydration. I don’t want to say ‘Don’t drink’ but mix alcohol with a soft drink and food! There are more tips on this subject on the podcast. Listen to the podcast
Above all have a fantastic time at your parties. But just be mindful of looking after your voice when you are out enjoying yourself.
Personal Branding at Christmas parties