The Unheard Struggle: Voice Problems in the World of Professional Speaking
Professional speakers are at higher risk for more severe vocal injury. They often delay care because they are still able to function even when their voice isn't feeling good. Take our quiz to find out if you may have signs of vocal injury.
In today's digital world, there is ever-expanding access to a platform or stage. Podcasts, streamers, and content creators are all professional speakers, just like keynoters and stage speakers. The amount of speaking has also increased, especially as all these voices compete to be heard.
The level of demand for a professional speaker is therefore like a professional singer or voice actor. It's high energy and volume and the demand for the voice is higher, as the amount of content increases.
In the world of professional speakers, eloquence and communication skills take center stage. The unsung hero is often the voice that brings words to life. This is never more apparent than when the voice is unhealthy or damaged. A rough or strained voice can distract from the message and its power. We have all been in the room when a speaker's vocal rattles make us want to yell "Clear your throat!"
It's distracting and problematic for the speaker too, who deals with voice pain and fatigue. They may take fewer engagements or hesitate to socialize and engage because their voice is tired and ache. This limits their growth and networking ability but also their enjoyment of the work.
Despite this extremely large group of voice users, there is little to no research on the risk of injury in professional speakers. However, a significant percentage of professional speakers face voice-related challenges throughout their careers. Politicians like Gavin Newsom and motivational speakers like Tony Robbins are famous examples of voices that have changed throughout their careers.
Why does the speaking voice get hoarse?
What types of injuries occur in professional speakers? The significant demand and wear on the voice most commonly leads to:
vocal nodules
vocal polyps
vocal scarring
The types of injury are not that different from what occurs in other pro-voice users, like singers and actors. The difference is the severity. Most professional speakers will come for vocal health checks only when their voice is so strained that it limits their ability to speak. Singers and actors, on the other hand, come in much sooner, because even the slightest voice issue impacts their ability to perform. A speaker will push through small voice issues. At conferences, a speaker may be hoarse before they even start, having networked and engaged on preceding conference days. They'll then excuse their hoarseness and deliver a strong, impassioned speech that further worsens their voice. Over time, this leads to much more severe injury. The very tool that amplifies their message becomes a battleground for endurance.
How can speakers have better vocal health?
The intense demand and need for a powerful, amplified voice means the need for proactive vocal health management is key. We have highlighted how vocal health optimization can help a speaker recover and maintain their voice. By investing in a vocal health exam and training plan, we can ensure longevity and comfort throughout a speaking career. This translates to a better performance as well as greater enjoyment for the professional speaker
For speakers, the message defines their purpose. Their focus is on effective communication and often the voice itself is just seen as a delivery method. However, poor vocal health makes the delivery exhausting, strenuous, and hard to listen to. Our focus at the Center for Vocal Health is to allow a speaker's message to take center stage by ensuring the voice is healthy, not distracting, and sustainable.
Interested in working with the best professionals in LA for voice care and rehabilitation?
Meet Dr. Gupta, the top voice doctor in LA, and Tressa Cox, the leading voice therapist specializing in voice rehabilitation.
Learn more about their expertise and services at the Center for Vocal Health.
