Speak and Be Heard: ​6 Tips for Saving Your Voice While Teaching

Teaching is an occupation that can be brutal on your vocal cords. Whether you’re a choir teacher demonstrating proper technique all day or a science teacher just trying to be heard above the class, we all have to take care of the instrument we were born with. Here are 6 tips to keep your voice fresh throughout the teaching day.

​​1. Hydration is Key

Carrying around a Stanley Cup tumbler isn’t just for the kids, you should be doing it as well. There are numerous documented reasons why we should all be drinking more water, but if you’re a teacher, this is a must. You should start drinking water regularly long before you begin any lecture. It takes a while for the hydration to actually reach your vocal cords and give you the lubrication benefits. Stick with room temperature water when possible, colder water can actually cause tension in your vocal cords, and might also ‘numb’ you a bit to any damage you might be doing.

2. Use a Microphone

I have been using a microphone and amplification in my classroom for years now. My mic / speaker system of choice is the Samson Expedition XP106wDE. I chose it because I wanted a rechargeable solution in case I had to teach in a room without a power outlet handy, I wanted a head worn mic that I didn’t have to hold in my hand, and I also wanted Bluetooth in case I had to share a video on the smartboard from my computing device. I’ll never go back. Not only does it help me dramatically with my vocal endurance, it allows me to be heard without yelling. The tone in my classroom is actually far more relaxed, because I don’t have to raise my voice. I’m heard clearly, and I don’t have to shout. It’s a win-win.

3. Speak at the ‘Top’ of Your Breath

One of the most important things my vocal therapist worked on with me was the concept of ‘speaking from the top of your breath’. I was struggling to make it through an entire week of teaching with my voice intact, so I sought some assistance from a professional. After a bit of video review, we discovered I had a tendency to take shorter  ‘half’ breaths before I spoke, instead of getting a full and powerful breath. Don’t worry about people interrupting you, don’t worry about ‘missing your chance to speak’. Focus on taking full breaths before you talk, and only speaking when you have adequate breath support. Think about inflection and cadence as opposed to simply speaking as much as you can. It has worked wonders for me. 

4. Avoid Dairy During the Day

This one can be tough for some because I had a HEALTHY stock of yogurt in the staff fridge. Dairy products can cause your body to produce more mucus, and in turn, you might find yourself clearing your throat frequently. This type of abrasion of your vocal cords will make them swell up, get sore, and cause problems with your endurance. If you do include dairy during the work day, be conscious of clearing your throat and avoid it as much as possible.

5. Vocal ‘Helpers’ That Hurt

Cough drops and other lozenges that numb your throat might provide some temporary relief (like ice cold water does), but they can actually hurt more than help if you’re using them during your work day. Think about it. Cough drops are not fixing the problem, they’re just numbing the pain. If you broke your leg and went to the doctor, the doctor would not just give you painkillers and send you on your way. You’d get a cast, you’d be told to avoid walking on it. It’s the same principle here. If your throat is hurting because you’ve been talking too much or too loudly, don’t numb the pain and continue, get hydrated and pull back your speaking to a minimum. Soreness is your body’s way of telling you, ‘stop doing that’.

6. Voice-Free Attention

Every bit of voice raising and vocalization you do in your classroom can add up, especially over 5–6 periods a day. Find ways to get your class’s attention without having to speak loudly. Clap, whistle, bring in an instrument (heck, I’ve used a set of wind chimes) – anything but shouting ‘HEY GUYS LISTEN TO ME’. Every time you can get your kids’ attention without having to use your voice is a big win for a teacher trying to keep their vocal cords healthy.