Why do those of us who use our voices for a living so often neglect to care for them as we should? If we engage in some sport, we know that we have to stretch and warm up to ensure that our muscles are flexible and ready to do what we ask of them as well as to prevent injury. We should do the same for our voices.

I'm often asked how long it should take to warm up. It depends on the person and the conditions. In cold weather it may take longer. If you smoke (which I'm sure no professional speaker or broadcaster would ever think of doing) it will take longer. For most people, 10-20 minutes should do it. Many of my clients warm up in the car on the way to the studio or presentation.

The following exercises are just a few of many.

• Yawn. Not a little one using just your mouth, but a full-blown, full-bodied yawn. Open your mouth, scrunch your face, stretch your arms over your head and really let go. Repeat standing and get your whole body involved. Feel the movement of the abdominal muscles as you breathe.
  
  
• Focus on getting the blood flowing in your face and throat. Make your face just as small and pinched as you can -- like a raisin. Close your eyes, purse your lips and frown. Now, make it as large as you can. Eyes and mouth wide open, forehead up-- like a grape. Repeat a couple of times until you feel the "tingle."
  
  
• With the open-throated feeling you had on the yawn, gently sustain an "ah" sound. Keep it focused and listen for the "ring." Don't let the sound "gravel out" as you begin to run out of breath (i.e., don't try to get every last bit of air). Repeat several times with increasing volume. Project the sound well, but don't shout. It should never hurt or feel as if the sound is coming from your throat.
  
  
• Using that same open sound, change the pitch of the "ah." Slide up and down the scale as high and as low as you can go without strain -- like a siren. This will help to increase your pitch range so that your voice won't sound quite so flat, especially in the morning.
  
  
• Use some tongue twisters to warm up the articulators (the lips, teeth, tongue, jaw and soft palate.) Repeat the following with increasing speed and exaggeration. You'll find yourself stumbling at some point, but that's okay. Start again and try to go further the next time.
  
  popping potato, popping potato
  David's double bubble, David's double bubble
  red leather, yellow leather
  King Kong, King Kong, King Kong
  jump Charley, jump Charley, jump Charley
  wastes water, wastes water, wastes water

Finally, make certain that you're mentally warmed up as well. It's easy to fall into the habit of walking into the studio at 5:00 AM, turning on the mic and to just start talking. Or, chatting at the cocktail party before your keynote and walking right up to the platform and beginning your first story.

However, remind yourself why you're there. Who are you speaking for? What are their needs this day or evening? What is the special thing which you have to offer to your audience which they can't get anywhere else? Remember that your uniqueness as an individual is speaking directly to their uniqueness as individuals. By keeping these thoughts in mind, communication is assured.

*****Candice M. Coleman, Ph.D. uses presentations, coaching and learning resources to help business executives and others have more presence, influence and authenticity in their communication. She can be reached by phone at 314-621-9228 or on the Web at www.SayItWell.com.

© Say It Well! Inc. 2002. [Permission is granted to reprint this article provided that complete bio and contact information are included and that a copy of the publication is sent to: Say It Well! Inc., 1822 Hickory Street, St. Louis, MO 63104.]