Vocal health isn’t just for singers!

If you use your voice as part of your job - whether you're teaching, presenting, or speaking on the phone - you’re a professional voice user. 

And just like any professional, you need to take care of your tools.

Think about it: how often do you rely on your voice during the day?

Are you a teacher delivering lessons, a call center operative speaking non-stop, or a recruiter in back-to-back interviews?

If you’ve ever lost your voice after a long day at work or struggled to get through meetings after a holiday, this blog is for you.

Let’s explore why vocal care matters and how you can keep your voice healthy and strong.

Who Needs to Look After Their Voice?

A lot of people assume vocal health only applies to singers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

If you’re using your voice for extended periods, you’re essentially running a vocal marathon. Imagine clapping your hands for 40 minutes straight. They’d feel sore, right?

Your vocal folds work in a similar way - vibrating together repeatedly when you speak. Without proper care, they can become tired and damaged.

Here are some common roles where looking after your vocal health is crucial:

• Teachers

• Customer service representatives

• Coaches

• Solicitors

• Public speakers

If that sounds like you, keep reading for some top tips to protect your voice.

Top Tips for Vocal Health

Silence - Rest Your Voice

Just like any muscle, your vocal folds need regular breaks to recover. If you speak for 40 minutes straight, your voice begins to tire and strain. Schedule intentional breaks (5 minutes of silence every 20 minutes) where you’re not talking - this could mean giving your class an independent task or setting up your call centre system to allow staff a few minutes of downtime.

Quick Tip: A break isn’t shouting on the phone in the car! True rest means silence. Plan moments in your day where your voice gets a complete pause.

Sleep

Your body does its best repair work while you’re sleeping, and your vocal folds are no exception. Sleep helps your voice recover from the strain of the day and prepares it for tomorrow. If sleep is a struggle (hello, parents!), try to prioritise quality rest whenever possible.

Sirens - Warm Up and Cool Down

Would you run a race without warming up first? Probably not - and your voice deserves the same care. Gentle warm-ups like sirening (vocal glides) can prepare your voice for a day of talking. Cooling down is equally important, especially if you’ve been using your voice in noisy environments like classrooms or busy offices.

Pro Tip: Warm-ups and cool-downs should be tailored to your specific needs. What works for a teacher might not be right for a call center operative. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to a professional for guidance.

Stay Hydrated

Whether it's keeping your water intake levels up for your body to stay hydrated - an important thing - or steaming to access more topical hydration for your vocal folds, staying hydrated is another key thing to be doing to look after your body and voice. 

Seek Help When Needed

If you’ve had a cold, cough, or hoarseness lasting more than three weeks, it’s time to see a GP. Persistent vocal issues could indicate laryngitis or other conditions that need attention. If needed, ask for a referral to an ENT, ideally one who specialises in vocal health (a laryngologist). For professional voice users, organisations like BAPAM (British Association for Performing Arts Medicine) can provide support and direct you to experts.

Why Tailored Support Matters

Not all vocal care tips are one-size-fits-all.

Your warm-ups, cool-downs, and rest strategies should align with how you use your voice.

That’s where we come in.

At BHVA, we don’t offer off-the-shelf solutions. Instead, we work with you to create a personalised plan that meets your unique needs - whether you’re leading a noisy classroom or spending hours on client calls.

Interested in learning more? We offer workshops and one-to-one sessions tailored to individuals and teams.

These sessions can help you:

• Present with confidence without straining your voice

• Manage vocal fatigue in demanding jobs

• Understand how to warm up and cool down effectively

Your Voice Deserves Care

Vocal health isn’t just for singers - it’s for everyone who uses their voice to connect, inspire, and make an impact. With a little knowledge and the right care, you can keep your voice strong and healthy for years to come.

If you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with us at BHVA. Whether online or in person, we’d love to help you protect and amplify your voice!