Want to know how to get your voice back in minutes? Losing your voice before an important audition or performance can be a nightmare. In this article, we’ll share some of the most effective voice loss remedies quick from the pros.
If you feel a sore throat coming on, take action now! But if it’s too late and you’ve already lost your voice, keep reading and you’ll get it back in no time.
How to Get Your Voice Back, and Fast!
The Singer’s Cure
Before you panic, know that there are some very simple tricks on how to get your voice back quickly, such as an exercise.
By doing head and neck exercises, you may feel a tremendous difference in your throat right away! Try watching the following helpful video. It shares expert advice on what you can do if you have laryngitis as a singer.
Dr. Berg has worked with performers at Juilliard, and refers to this as “The Singer’s Cure.”
Silence is Golden
Award-winning Nashville vocal coach Judy Rodman also has simple, yet very effective advice for how to get your voice back.
She preaches that “silence is golden,” and also shares other techniques such as “wall work” when you vocalize. Remember to rest, rest, and rest some more. Take a few days off of speaking if you need it.
If neither of these seem to be working for you, check out Rodman’s recipe for the “Master Tonic” –
Chop or blend equal parts of:
- Habanero peppers
- Horseradish
- Gingerroot
- Hot onions
- Garlic cloves
Cover and blend with:
- raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
Let it sit for a couple weeks, shaking it regularly, then strain and use as needed.
Cortisone Shots
Cortisone shots are only for singers with really, REALLY important gigs. We’re talking about making your debut at the Metropolitan Opera or singing for the President!
By taking a cortisone shot (a steroid), you run the risk of having your vocal folds swell further, so think very hard about the consequences of this option. There’s a reason why singers often have understudies, after all.
Sometimes, it’s just not worth it to compromise your health. One of the country’s foremost singing and speaking voice experts, Lisa Popeil, explains further here.
SEE ALSO: 150+ Best Songs to Sing Along to
Stay Hydrated and Start Small
After taking some time off from speaking and singing, slowly and gently ease yourself back into your routine. You must start small, meaning light vocalization (think humming and lip trills). Never force the voice.
If anything still hurts, that means your folds are still inflamed, so go back to resting!
Lastly, always keep yourself hydrated. Another excellent remedy for how to get your voice back is simply inhaling steam. After about two weeks, your voice will start sounding a lot more normal, and feeling much better!
Remember to be patient. These voice-loss remedies may not work immediately, or be the solution for everyone. If you’re suffering from laryngitis that just won’t go away, you should seek medical advice.
Also, consider consulting a voice teacher to ensure that you’re singing in a healthy way so as not to strain or damage your voice.
Molly R. teaches online and in-person singing lessons in Hayward, CA. Her specialties include teaching beginner vocalists, shy singers, children, teens, lapsed singers, and older beginners. She joined TakeLessons in November 2013. Learn more about Molly here!
Photo by Michelle
Suzy S.