When people think about vocal performers, they usually think of singers and actors. Singers and actors use their voices athletically, with maximal use of range, volume, articulation, and emotion.

Conversely, professional speakers may not come to mind when thinking of vocal performers. An extensive literature search resulted in articles referencing vocal challenges in singers, actors, teachers... telemarketers! But none that described the vocal challenges of public speaking.

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.

When Robert Downey Jr announced "I took a beta blocker so this is going to be a breeze" at the 2024 Golden Globes, many were likely shocked to discover that someone who has been in the public eye for decades would require medications for performance anxiety.

An emotional and (as usual) honest Billie Eilish took to the stage to accept an award, tearfully stating "I'm on prednisone... I've had no voice all week, laryngitis, and I'm on prednisone... last time I was on it I threw my phone and shattered a mirror and this time, I will be crying."

Muscle Tension Dysphonia (MTD) has become a common diagnosis in voice, used when a doctor finds no signs of injury in a patient who has voice symptoms. This 'diagnosis' has led to a lot of confusion and also some stress and trauma as patients struggle to find treatment for their newly diagnosed condition.

How many times have you been told to "speak in a higher pitch" or that you're "talking too low" or "talking in your throat"? While these suggestions may be well-intentioned, blindly doing this can lead to muscle tension, strain, and potentially long-term voice issues.

Join us at Center for Vocal Health as we talk to you today about the complete vocal health exam for vocal athletes from ENT Laryngologist, Reena Gupta, MD.

Can you do a full voice exam at home? Absolutely. With the right equipment and physician, you can get a high-quality voice exam from the comfort of you own home. Or, if you run into trouble while filming, recording, or before opening, we can bring that care to your stage or studio. Mobile Stroboscopy means you can get an expert voice exam wherever you are.

“House calls” for Vocal Athletes: When and why on-location vocal checks are a game-changer with specialist laryngologist Reena Gupta, MD.

What strategies can help with stage fright?

There are a multitude of tools that may help an anxious performer. The Center for Vocal Health team has comprised a list that is a good starting point.

Stage fright is nearly universal among vocal performers. There are ways to get through stage fright without medications. Newer research helps us understand performance anxiety as a physiological, uncontrollable, and repetitive condition that must be approached with more empathy and a deliberate, holistic approach.

Vocal performers are athletes of the voice. Voicing is their sport. This includes singers, actors, voice actors, audiobook narrators, public speakers, and anyone else that uses their voice for a living.