Be honest. We don’t often think about our voice until something goes wrong, do we? It’s one of those things we expect to be there, but for speakers, singers, and business professionals who rely on their voices every day, losing it, even briefly, can feel like losing a part of who we are.
In a podcast episode, I spoke with a businesswoman who shared her remarkable recovery from a serious vocal injury. What stayed with me wasn’t just the technical side of her story; it was the way it highlighted something I see so often in my work: how deeply connected our voice is to our identity, energy, and sense of Self.
A Vocal Health Story
She’d undergone a major surgery that left her with bilateral (both sides) vocal cord paralysis, a condition that meant she couldn’t speak, and could barely breathe. Even walking became a challenge. It wasn’t simply a matter of “resting the voice” or sipping lemon tea; everything was affected – her ability to communicate, to move, to parent, to run her business.
And yet, she adapted. Even with help, one vocal fold recovered; the other didn’t. Still, she built back her voice and her life around this new reality.
It was a powerful reminder that the voice isn’t just an instrument—it’s a system, dependent on breath, muscle coordination, energy, and mindset. When any part of that system is compromised, the impact can affect every corner of our lives.
Don’t wait for the warning signs
As a voice coach working with speakers, singers and business professionals, I sometimes meet people who push their voices to the limit; speaking non-stop through events, performing late into the night, or teaching, coaching, and leading teams while managing the demands of daily life.
They come to me when they feel hoarse, tired, tense, or simply ‘not themselves‘ when they speak. They’re not always sure what’s wrong, only that they’re not being heard as they wish. In some cases, they’ve been ignoring those signs for far too long.
The truth is, our voice is not just a “tool” for communication. It’s an extension of us. It reflects our physical well-being, our emotional state, and how connected we feel to ourselves.
That’s why in my work, especially through the Be Truly Heard Programme, I bring together the voice, body and Self. Real vocal strength and confidence don’t come from sounding “perfect.” They come from the ability to trust that your voice will support you when you need it most.
What You Can Do to Protect Your Vocal Health
- Listen to the subtle changes.
If your voice is consistently tired, strained, or unreliable, don’t push through it—get curious. Seek support early. - Breathe efficiently, not just deeply.
Effective breath support starts with the body. Tension in the jaw, shoulders, or pelvis can block vocal flow without you even realising. - Warm up before use, just like an athlete.
Whether you’re singing or speaking, your voice needs preparation. A few minutes of gentle vocal exercises can make all the difference. - Rest matters.
True vocal recovery doesn’t happen without rest, both physical and mental. Your nervous system and your voice are more connected than you think. - Speak your truth.
Our voice can falter when we feel we’re not allowed to express ourselves fully. Voice work is not just about technique, it’s about permitting yourself to speak or sing freely.
Your Voice Is a Messenger of Who You Are
When my podcast guest lost her voice, she realised just how much of her identity was tied to it, yet that journey back became one of empowerment. It reminded her, and all of us, that the voice is not just about how we speak. It’s about who we are when we speak.
So, whether you’re preparing for your next keynote, crafting a podcast, singing on stage, or simply showing up as the leader you are, treat your voice with care.
Being truly heard starts with truly honouring the voice you’ve been given.
Ways Forward
If you have questions or concerns about your vocal health, please get in touch.
There’s a free PDF guide here to help you develop a good voice care routine.
You can also tune in to the Be Truly Heard Podcast
🦋 Thanks for reading.
