Why the Speaker Should Drink Water

Speakers are usually offered a glass of water as they are preparing to speak. Although this may help you swallow or temporarily relieve a dry mouth, it is not the most important water you could drink if you want smooth and comfortable voice production.

That’s the water you drink several hours before you speak or sing.

Here’s how it works:

The water has to go through the digestive system to be distributed to the mucosal cells in the throat. This will determine if the mucous is thick or runny. You want runny.

Yes, you do. Do you enjoy working to clear your throat or to hear strange sounds and voice irregularities as you speak? Thought not. You want a nice slick mucosal lining on the vocal folds so they vibrate easily as you speak.

Hit the water or juice several hours before you speak and you will enjoy easy and clear voice production. You have certainly heard of the many health benefits of adequate hydration. Well, this is one worth speaking about.

If you want to learn more about how Dr. Fleming can help you improve your communication skills, please call her at telephone 415.391.9179 or send her an email at [email protected]

Carol Fleming, Ph.D., is the author of “It’s the Way You Say It”! Becoming Articulate, Well-spoken and Clear. A comprehensive guide to vocal development and improvement of communication skills. To get your own copy, go to http://amzn.to/ItsTheWayYouSayIt