Friday, September 26, 2014

Let’s Use Our Indoor Voices, Shall We?

Below is an amusing response to my blog article Voice Damage Need Not Sideline Football Fans
By: Mark Williams, Jr  The-jaunt.blogspot.com


This is unbelievable. Renee Grant-Williams, a voice expert—where was this major when I was in school? I had to settle for taste management—compiled a list of “to-don’ts” regarding protecting your voice against strain and apparent long-term damage—inflicting chaos brought onto the lungs of sports fans who perpetually yell and scream during games.

“Whenever anyone yells repeatedly, it puts severe friction and pressure on their vocal cords. An enthusiastic fan risks becoming hoarse, losing their voice or even developing nodes” says Grant-Williams.

I’m sorry for interrupting, Ms. Grant-Williams…but can you possibly explain what the hell “nodes” are?

"Nodes are like calluses, they form on the vocal cords to protect them for strain. However, nodes get in the way and keep the vocal cords from fitting together cleanly, causing the voice to become hoarse and unpredictable. Over time, these nodes may require surgery."

Ok, that’s what I thought.

So our resident voice expert details a list of suggestions to protect that golden voice of yours. (West coast fans notwithstanding):

"1. Dress appropriately. Layering clothing so the layers can be removed or added as needed. Fans attending the game should take a warm scarf to protect the throat."

 We prefer the removing of layers, thank you. 

"2. Drink plenty of fluids. Limit beverages that dehydrate, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks."
Ah yes, what is a sporting event without
the irresponsible consumption of green tea?

"3. Eat smart. Eat a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. Limit the intake of salty foods like salted nuts and chips."

How can you even utter the ords "eat smart" when referring
to ballgame habits? Maybe YOU should lay off the nuts.

"4. When expressing support for your team breathe low and support the yelling by contracting your lower abdominal muscles. Do not scream from the throat."

This is a sporting event, not a church or Lamaze class. Apparently,
you haven't been doing much screaming lately. It's good for the soul.


Fortunately, you can contact voice guru Renee Grant-Williams at 615-244-3280. I strongly advise everyone to call up when you have a moment and just scream extremely loud and obnoxiously. Then set up an appointment for voice cleansing.

Thursday, September 25, 2014

HAPPY NATIONAL CHEESEBURGER DAY!!!


I can’t believe I missed "National Cheeseburger Day" last week! But, since the cheeseburger is as American as apple pie I think we have the right to celebrate cheeseburgers any time we choose.  


There are two things most people know about me. One, I teach voice lessons and two, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE cheeseburgers. I have a cheeseburger collection that’s been featured on several television shows like the Food Network, (In the Bun), Tennessee Crossroads, Fox and even Taste of Home magazine. My students take it as a challenge to find one I don’t already have. In fact, I got a pair of Cheeseburger bobby pins just last week to add to my collection.


Even though I’m a week late in celebrating “official” Cheeseburger Day I thought you might enjoy watching a YouTube video where I join Susan Watson on Tennessee Crossroads as she checks out my collection. 


Bon appetit!

Renee




Tuesday, September 16, 2014

The Wizard of Sales



My good friend, speaker, author, musician, marketing guru, and father of triplets Jeff Slutsky (StreetFighter Marketing enjoys creating parodies for the speaking world. I thought you might enjoy a small sample of his re-creation The Wizard of Sales. Enjoy.
Renee



Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Voice Damage Need Not Sideline Football Fans

Football games sometimes result in terrible injuries – and they’re not always on the field.  Injuries can take place inside the throats of screaming fans at the stadium, in sports bars, or even at home watching TV with friends.  According to leading voice expert Renee Grant-Williams, sustained yelling can brutally tear up a fan’s vocal cords resulting in damage that may persist long after football season is over. 

“Whenever anyone yells repeatedly, it puts severe friction and pressure on their vocal cords.  An enthusiastic fan risks becoming hoarse, losing their voice or even developing nodes,” says Grant-Williams.  “Nodes are like calluses, they form on the vocal cords to help protect them from strain.  However, nodes get in the way and keep the vocal cords from fitting together cleanly, causing the voice to become hoarse and unpredictable.  Over time, these nodes may require surgery.”



 
Grant-Williams offers several suggestions for voice protection during football games:

1) Dress appropriately.  Layer clothing so the layers can be removed or added as needed.  Fans attending the game should take a warm scarf to protect the throat.

2) Drink plenty of fluids.  Limit beverages that dehydrate, such as alcohol and caffeinated drinks.

3) Eat smart.  Eat a good balance of protein and carbohydrates.  Limit the intake of salty foods like salted nuts and chips.
4) When expressing support for your team, breathe low and support the yelling by contracting your lower abdominal muscles.  Do not scream from the throat.

“Just as in football, the best defense for the voice is a good offense,” says Grant-Williams.  “Don’t wait until the damage is done to take precautions.  Even though it is normal to be enthusiastic during a sports event, think twice before yelling too much.”
This link will take you to an amusing response to this blog article.