How do you avoid losing your voice all the time if you are in a shouty / singy sort of job?

[FrankenZooey]

For the second time this year my voice has been f*cked up for a couple of weeks. As I work speaking and singing to groups of people this is a pain in the arse. It feels like it takes several weeks to get rid of a minor sore throat, because every couple of days I strain it again trying to use my voice, and it gets hoarse and sore again. Are there things I can do to a) prevent it b) alleviate it when it has happened?

Voice coaching would be ideal.

Was a teacher and I often lost my voice or it became strained and was unable to project my voive any more. Ended up at hospital with it once.

I reckon voice training should be automatically part of teacher training courses (and any other simialr career).

how long is a peice of string?

it depends how good you are! In five sessions I could give you rough idea how much more you would need.

I spent four years at drama school doing two hours a week.

Hmm. Ok.

So! Sage tea it is then

It realy does take time as you have to develop mucsles that yo do't normally use and re train yourself to breath in a different way.

What is it you are doing that you have to sing and speak to groups?

You may find a class nearby that you can join?

I guess you are nowhere near me?

Oh bother. I have no patience and not a huge amount of money. I am thinking it would be a good investment, though.

I am in Essex, beetroot, I don't know where you are. I run baby and toddler activity classes (I have been called the anti-Jo Jingles ) so need to be heard above people chatting, babies crying etc. I could also do with some help with my singing, full stop. It's ok but no more.

hmm, I don't know anyone in Essex..will have a think!

I may be in Crawley in the New year for a few days working. If I am I coudl give you a couple of freebies to get you on your way

Beety you are a star, that is very kind indeed

okay lets work on it! If you are coming to somerset anytime let me know

Cheers beetroot, even if we don't get together the info has been very helpful

this is a good book

Message withdrawn

Frankenzooey - Definitely go on a course or find a drama teacher or sometone to teach you how to project your voice.

It's really not hard - but once you've got the knack you'll never strain your voice again.