Warm up your voice by singing or humming in the shower.

Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to keep your vocal cords lubricated. Add an extra glass for each serving of coffee, soda, or alcohol.

Speak as you sing; maintain support from your lower rib cage.

Speak more slowly and breathe when you need to. Do not speak with too many words in one breath.

Try not to hold your breath when lifting weights, doing sit-ups or aerobics, opening doors, listening to someone or concentrating on something.

Use good posture when speaking. When talking on the phone, do not cradle the phone on your shoulder. This will tighten your neck muscles and vocal cords.

Wear clothing that is loose around your waist so that your stomach and rib cage can remain extended as you speak.

Do not take aspirin before a lecture or performance because it increases blood flow and can cause a broken blood vessel.

If you have allergies or asthma and take antihistamines or inhalers, combine it with a mucolytic such as Humibid or Guaifernesin to lubricate your vocal cords.

Try to avoid dairy products, chocolate, or mayonnaise if they thicken mucus and cause you to clear your throat.

If you have gastro esophageal reflux, elevate the head of your bed and eat at least 3 hours before sleeping. Your doctor can prescribe medications to help you.

Stop smoking and avoid concentrated alcohol use.

If hoarseness persists for more than a couple of weeks, see an otolaryngologist who specializes in the treatment of vocal disorders.

Courtesy of Susan Miller and Associates, Ph.D., CCC