As public speakers, educators use their voices daily in a projected and substantive manner which requires coordination and care. Over 38% of teachers report that teaching has an adverse impact on their voice, and 39% of those had cut back teaching activities as a result (Smith et al.) In fact, prolonged talking using a less than optimal style can lead to vocal fatigue, and this misuse can involve extreme laryngeal muscle tension in the absence of pathology (Hirano.) Fortunately, scientists have sourced the music studios of respected professional voice teachers to determine which exercises are the most effective for strengthening the voice, and have provided physiologic justification for the employment of these exercises (Titze.) In order to maintain a vibrant teaching career, it behooves educators to be informed and proactive about their personal vocal health. Simple vocal exercises can help public speakers preserve their voice and gain confidence in projection and dynamic speech patterns. Using the framework of Vocology- the science and practice of vocal habilitation, the presentation will introduce the basic anatomy of the voice and the physical co-ordinations involved in speech and projection. Attendees will learn the fundamentals of vocal hygiene, and will participate in a five-minute vocal warm up routine designed to build and maintain a healthy projected speaking tone.

Authors:
Alta Boover, Oakland University, United States
Drake Dantzler, Oakland University, United States

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Alta Boover Dantzler is a University Associate Professor/Senior Lecturer at Oakland University in United States

See this presentation on the full schedule – Wednesday Schedule

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