speech therapy exercises for vocal cords

Vocal Cord Dysfunction

The vocal cords are muscles within the larynx, also called the voice box. When we breathe, they open & close involuntarily, meaning no direct action is required from the person to actively make them open or close. When talking, we choose the sounds to make, but the vocal cords respond with little active thought from us. These structures are located at the top of your breathing tube known as your trachea.

As we breathe, air passes through the vocal cords on its way to the trachea and downward to the lungs. The process is reversed as we exhale. The cords should be relaxed and open as we breathe in. If the cords tighten when we breathe in, the person may report difficulty breathing ranging from mild shortness of breathe to severe spasms of choking and inability to breathe. This out of sequence closing is known as Vocal Cord Dysfunction or VCD. Other names for this condition are Irritable Laryngeal Syndrome or Laryngospasm.

Symptoms of VCD may be:

• Anxiousness
• Frequent clearing of the throat
• Sensation of not being able to get a breath
• Tightness of the upper chest or throat
• Noisy breathing, stridor, whistling of the air when breathing in

Some of the triggers for VCD are the same as the triggers for asthma, some are different.

• Post Nasal Drip
• Psychosocial issues
• Stress / Anxiety
• Cough from irritants or viral illness
• Activities of voice strain – singing, excessive talking, yelling

VCD is three times more common in females than males. It can mimic or look like asthma to someone unfamiliar with the condition. In some people, VCD can trigger their asthma. Some people with VCD do not have asthma. Asthma symptoms usually increase over a few hours, days, or weeks and respond to medications that open the airway and reduce the inflammation. VCD symptoms usually occur or decrease suddenly and do not respond well to traditional asthma treatments. The moisture and patterned breathing associated with the SVN machine may help VCD. Often the person with VCD will experience voice changes, like hoarseness, and prolonged coughing episodes.

The best treatment for VCD is speech therapy with specific voice & breathing exercises. It is important to rest the voice, drink fluids, encourage salivation with lozenges or gum, reduce exposure to triggers when possible, and reduce stress. Keep a list of what you are doing when the VCD occurs. Listed below are two exercises that our clinic teaches to help patients relax the vocal cords.

PAUSED BREATHING:

• Sit in a position that allows your neck & shoulders to relax but keep your back straight.
• Breathe in gently through the nose.
• Stick your tongue out of your mouth, past the teeth & lower lip, in preparation to exhale. This forward stretch of the tongue helps to open the airway at the vocal cords. This may be difficult to do with a severe spasm but will be easier the more you repeat this exercise.
• With the tongue out, exhale only through the mouth in slow, paused or spaced breaths. The timing should be like saying Ha, Ha, Ha, Ha, very slowly. Don’t use your voice, just breathe out.
• Repeat 10 times and practice 3 times a day so you will know how to do it well when VCD occurs.

BELLY BREATHING:

• Sit in a position that allows your neck and shoulders to relax but keep your back straight.
• Place your hand on your belly. Breathe in gently through the nose with your belly pushing your hand outward from your body.
• As you start to exhale, place the tip of your tongue where your upper teeth meet the roof of your mouth. This will allow you to make a hissing or “S” sound as you exhale. This creates a back pressure to help keep the airway open.
• Slowly exhale allowing the hand & belly to move inward to a resting position and make the hissing or “S” sound as you push the air between your tongue & teeth.
• Repeat 10 times & practice 3 times a day so you will know how to do it well when VCD occurs.

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Paralyzed Vocal Cord Exercises

Ken Tamplin, Professional Vocal coach

Reviewed by Editorial Team

Updated on December 18, 2023

Learn How To Sing Better Than Anyone Else

Table of Contents

Improved speech clarity.

Paralyzed vocal cords can significantly impact speech clarity, making it difficult to communicate effectively. However, incorporating specific exercises into your routine can help improve speech clarity. One effective exercise is straw phonation. This involves making sounds while exhaling through a straw, which helps to strengthen the vocal cords and improve their coordination. Another beneficial exercise is vocal cord adduction exercises, which involve practicing making sounds by bringing the vocal cords together. These exercises can help to enhance the strength and coordination of the vocal cords, leading to improved speech clarity over time.

Straw Phonation Exercise

Straw phonation is a widely used exercise to improve speech clarity in individuals with paralyzed vocal cords. To perform this exercise, you will need a straw. Begin by taking a deep breath and exhaling gently through the straw while making a continuous “humming” sound. This exercise helps to provide resistance to the airflow, promoting better closure and coordination of the vocal cords.

Vocal Cord Adduction Exercises

Vocal cord adduction exercises involve practicing making sounds that require bringing the vocal cords together, such as saying “ee” or “oo.” These exercises aim to train the vocal cords to come together effectively, which is essential for improved speech clarity.

Enhanced Swallowing Function

Paralyzed vocal cords can also impact swallowing function, leading to difficulties in eating and drinking. However, specific exercises can help enhance swallowing function and reduce the risk of aspiration. One effective exercise is the Mendelsohn maneuver, which involves swallowing and holding the throat muscles in a raised position for a few seconds. This exercise helps to strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to improved swallowing function over time.

Mendelsohn Maneuver

To perform the Mendelsohn maneuver, start by swallowing while focusing on the upward movement of your throat muscles. Hold your throat muscles in the raised position for a few seconds before relaxing. Practicing this maneuver regularly can help strengthen the muscles involved in swallowing, leading to enhanced swallowing function.

Psychological Benefits of Vocal Cord Exercise

Engaging in vocal cord exercises not only offers physical benefits but also provides psychological advantages. Individuals with paralyzed vocal cords often experience frustration and a sense of loss due to communication difficulties. By actively participating in vocal cord exercises, individuals can regain a sense of control over their voice and communication abilities. Additionally, as speech clarity and swallowing function improve, individuals may experience a boost in confidence and overall well-being.

Practical Tips and Advice

Setting realistic goals for vocal cord rehabilitation.

When embarking on vocal cord rehabilitation, it is essential to set realistic goals to track progress effectively. Speak with a speech-language pathologist to gain insights into what to expect and how to set achievable milestones. Setting realistic goals can help maintain motivation and provide a clear path toward vocal cord rehabilitation.

Tracking Progress and Adapting Exercise Regimen

Tracking progress is crucial in vocal cord rehabilitation. Keep a journal to document improvements in speech clarity and swallowing function. Additionally, be open to adapting your exercise regimen based on your progress. Consult with your speech-language pathologist to make necessary adjustments to your exercises and techniques as you progress through rehabilitation.

Integrating Vocal Therapy Techniques into Daily Activities

To maximize the benefits of vocal cord exercises, consider integrating vocal therapy techniques into your daily activities. Practice speaking exercises during conversations with friends and family, and incorporate swallowing exercises with meals. By integrating these exercises into daily activities, you can make consistent progress in vocal cord rehabilitation.

In conclusion, engaging in paralyzed vocal cord exercises can significantly improve speech clarity, enhance swallowing function, and provide psychological benefits. Incorporating exercises such as straw phonation, vocal cord adduction exercises, and the Mendelsohn maneuver can lead to positive outcomes in vocal cord rehabilitation. By setting realistic goals, tracking progress, and integrating vocal therapy techniques into daily activities, individuals can effectively work towards improving their vocal cord function and overall quality of life.

1. How often should I perform vocal cord exercises?

It is recommended to perform vocal cord exercises as advised by your speech-language pathologist. Typically, exercises may be performed daily or as per a specific schedule tailored to your rehabilitation plan.

2. Can vocal cord exercises completely restore vocal cord function?

While vocal cord exercises can lead to significant improvements in vocal cord function, the extent of restoration varies among individuals. Consistency and adherence to the recommended exercises play a crucial role in achieving positive outcomes.

3. Are there any dietary restrictions during vocal cord rehabilitation?

Your speech-language pathologist may provide specific dietary recommendations based on your swallowing function. It’s essential to follow any dietary guidelines provided to support your vocal cord rehabilitation.

4. Can vocal cord exercises help with breath control during speech?

Yes, vocal cord exercises can contribute to improved breath control during speech by strengthening the muscles involved in vocalization. As speech clarity improves, individuals may also notice enhanced breath control.

5. How long does it take to see improvements from vocal cord exercises?

The timeline for seeing improvements from vocal cord exercises varies for each individual. Some may notice improvements within a few weeks, while others may require a longer duration. Consistent practice and adherence to the exercise regimen can contribute to positive outcomes over time.

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Section 7 - Exercises for vocal fold paralysis

Some people can experience paralysis of the vocal cords where one or both cords do not move properly. This leads to poor function of the vocal cords meaning they do not come together to close properly to achieve normal voice production. In the links on the right, there are exercises to help achieve this closure. Please follow directions from your Speech and Language Therapist to the exercises which are best for you.

Related Links

• Watch a short film clip on Glottal onset - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Smooth onset - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Plosive consonant closure - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Pops - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Hmmm - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Glides - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Accent method - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Vocal Function Exercises - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Creak - Voice exercise
• Watch a short film clip on Sob - Voice exercise

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Vocal Cord Dysfunction (VCD)

Paradoxical vocal fold movement (pvfm).

Our voice specialists use the latest diagnostic tests along with their years of experience to determine whether you have vocal cord dysfunction (VCD), also known as paradoxical vocal fold movement (PVFM). Specially trained speech-language pathologists help you understand the common triggers for VCD episodes and teach you breathing exercises to help relax the throat and ease your symptoms.

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About Vocal Cord Dysfunction

VCD, a type of irritable larynx syndrome , is an upper airway disorder related to irritation of the voice box. Normal breathing requires the vocal cords to remain open so air can pass in and out of the lungs. During a VCD episode, the vocal cords start to close involuntarily during inhalation. Since your airway is narrowed, you may feel like you can’t inhale. Sometimes, sounds may come from your throat during an episode. VCD is frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, and mistaken for asthma or a severe allergic reaction because of similar symptoms.

Duke Voice Care has locations in Durham and Raleigh. Find one near you.

Speech Therapy for Vocal Cord Dysfunction

Speech therapy is the primary treatment for VCD. Specially trained speech-language pathologists teach you exercises designed to relieve episodes of VCD. You will learn relaxed-throat breathing and lower-abdominal breathing strategies to manage episodes of breathing difficulty. These simple techniques keep the upper airway and voice box relaxed and open for easier breathing. Your speech-language pathologist will also work with you to understand your VCD triggers and control your response to these triggers. If you are an athlete with VCD, we'll coordinate with your coaches as appropriate to provide education about the condition and promote breathing strategies for you in your sport(s).

• Voice Therapy

For many, VCD can cause throat strain during and after episodes. If this occurs, the voice itself can become strained or hoarse. A speech-language pathologist will guide you through vocal exercises to improve breathing, reduce throat strain, and find your optimal pitch and volume for strong, healthy speaking. Improving your voice will not only help you speak more easily and clearly, but it can reduce your throat irritation and shortness of breath.

Our team will take a detailed history of your breathing symptoms to note the patterns that suggest VCD and identify any triggers for these episodes. Your laryngologist -- an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor with advanced training in voice and throat disorders -- will also evaluate whether any medical conditions, surgeries, or recent illnesses could have caused changes in your voice or breathing. We will perform a head and neck examination and a visual examination of your voice box.

Videolaryngostroboscopy

This detailed visual examination of your voice box helps us evaluate how your vocal cords open, close, and vibrate while you breathe and speak or sing. A tiny camera attached to a small tube called an endoscope is inserted through your nose and into your throat, which allows us to see your vocal cords and larynx (voice box). A flashing strobe light simulates slow-motion video images of your vocal cords. The exam takes about two minutes, and your nose can be sprayed with topical anesthetic for comfort.

Your team will look for lesions, stiffness, paralysis, irregular movements, throat strain, or incomplete closure of the vocal cords. If VCD is suspected, your team will evaluate the movement of your vocal cords during breathing. Actual episodes of VCD are rarely seen on these exams, but your voice box will be evaluated to make sure that all the structures are normal. After the exam, your team will review the images with you to discuss your diagnosis and treatment plan. Videolaryngostroboscopy is essential to reaching an accurate diagnosis and determining the best treatment for VCD and other voice box problems.

Duke University Hospital is proud of our team and the exceptional care they provide. They are why we are once again recognized as the best hospital in North Carolina, and nationally ranked in 10 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report for 2023–2024.

Why Choose Duke

Team of Experts At Duke, one of the few comprehensive voice centers in the Southeast, your care team will include laryngologists and speech-language pathologists specially trained to evaluate and treat patients with voice problems and laryngeal disorders. Our team has years of experience treating VCD.

Team Care Approach If you have other medical conditions that may contribute to your voice issues -- such as allergies, asthma, or acid reflux -- we will work with your other providers throughout Duke Health to ensure you receive the best care from an integrated team.

Care for Athletes If you are an athlete with VCD, we'll coordinate with your coach as appropriate to provide education about your disorder and promote breathing strategies for you in your sport.

Related Conditions and Treatments

• Voice Evaluation
• Chronic Cough and Throat Irritation

Vocal Function Exercises

Working to strengthen and coordinate vocal folds, these exercises are in a sense , physical therapy for your vocal cords. Designed to promote natural wave, and regain balance among airflow, muscles, and resonance. Credit: These are a combination of exercises adopted from Joseph Stemple and the PhoRTE program.

*It is recommended that you check with your physician and/or ENT before engaging in these exercises. Naples Speech Therapy is not liable for any injury or pain resulting from the below exercises.*

Pitch glides : goal- no voice breaks. Using “knoll” or “whoop” going from lowest to highest pitch and then from highest to lowest pitch in order to promote vocal fold stretching, muscular control, and flexibility. Try to feel a “half yawn” in your throat as you practice this.

Functional phrases : Develop 10 ‘functional’ phrases. These should be common phrases you say throughout the day. Your spouse or family may be able to help you with this, since they listen to you all day long :).  Write them down (in large print if needed) and say them all the way through in the following tones: #1 Loud and bossy voice, #2 Call over the fence voice (imagine there is a barrier between you and your communication partner, whether it be a wall or another room). Do this 2x per day.

Sustained AH : Take a deep breath (deep down from your diaphragm!) and let out a loud AH. It is recommended that you time your productions to achieve a baseline and assess for ongoing progress.  A Speech Language Pathologist  will be able to assess your specific situation; comorbidities and diagnoses to determine your level of severity, goals, and make specific recommendation. However, a good rule of thumb is to aim >15 seconds.

You might also like

Nmes (neuro muscular electrical stim) for swallowing disorders, speech sounds pls-5 validity debate, more about naples speech therapy.

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Vocal Cord Nodules and Polyps

[ en Español ]

On this page:

• About Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps
• Signs of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps  

Causes of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps

• Testing for Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps

Treatments for Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps

Other resources, about vocal nodules and polyps.

Your vocal folds are inside your larynx, or voice box. When you talk, air moves from your lungs through the vocal folds to your mouth. The vocal folds vibrate to produce sound. Anything that makes it harder for the vocal folds to vibrate can cause a voice problem.

Vocal fold nodules are growths that form on the vocal folds. They are benign, or not cancerous. When you use your voice the wrong way, your vocal folds may swell. Over time, the swollen spots can get harder, like a callous. These nodules can get larger and stiffer if your vocal abuse continues.

Polyps can be on one or both of the vocal folds. They may look like a swollen spot or bump, a blister, or a thin, long growth. Most polyps are bigger than nodules. You may hear them called polypoid degeneration or Reinke’s edema. It may be easiest to think of a nodule as a callous and a polyp as a blister.

Signs of Vocal Fold Nodules and Polyps

Nodules and polyps cause similar symptoms. These include:

• breathiness
• a "rough" voice
• a "scratchy" voice
• a harsh-sounding voice
• shooting pain from ear to ear
• feeling like you have a "lump in your throat"
• less ability to change your pitch
• voice and body tiredness

Most of the time, vocal abuse or misuse causes nodules. Long-term vocal abuse can cause polyps, too. But polyps may happen after just one instance of vocal abuse, like yelling at a concert. Smoking cigarettes for a long time, thyroid problems, and reflux may also cause polyps.

Vocal abuse can happen in many ways, including from:

• tense muscles
• cheerleading
• talking loudly
• drinking caffeine and alcohol, which dries out the throat and vocal folds

Testing for Vocal Nodules and Polyps

You should see a doctor if your voice has been hoarse for more than 2 to 3 weeks. You may want to see an otolaryngologist, or ear, nose, and throat doctor, who knows about voice problems. An SLP can test how your voice sounds. You may also see a neurologist, allergist, or other doctor, if needed.

The team will listen to how your voice sounds. They will ask you to try to change your pitch and talk louder and softer. They will want to see how long you can keep your voice going before you lose your voice. They may look into your throat to see how your vocal folds move. They can see if there are nodules or polyps on your vocal folds. They do this by putting a long tube, called an endoscope, in your mouth. A flashing light, called a stroboscope, lets the team watch your vocal folds move.

Treatment depends on what caused the nodules or polyps, how big they are, and what problems you have. You can have surgery to remove the nodules or polyps. This is usually done only when they are large or have been there for a long time. Children do not usually have surgery.

You need to treat any medical causes of your voice problem. You may need to have your reflux, allergies, or thyroid problems treated before the nodules or polyps will go away. You may also need medical help to stop smoking or to control stress and tension.

You may see an SLP for voice therapy. The SLP can teach you how to take care of your voice, called vocal hygiene. You can learn about how you abuse your voice and what to do to stop. Treatment may also help you change how your voice sounds or teach you how to get enough breath to talk. The SLP can also help you find ways to relax and feel less stressed.

To find a speech-language pathologist near you, visit ProFind .

This list does not include every web site on this topic. ASHA does not endorse the information on these sites.

• Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery
• View video examples of vocal nodules and polyps

See ASHA information for professionals on the Practice Portal's Voice Disorders page.

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• Vocal Cord Dysfunction Breathing Exercises

Use these breathing techniques at any sign of tightness or stridor/noisy breathing.

If this occurs during activity, stop activity, do exercise until it stops and then resume activity gradually.

• Tightness or stridor can be released by breathing exercises
• Concentrate on letting air in and out
• Go into new activities and sports gradually

Diaphragmatic breathing exercises

• Do 10 cycles X3
• Practice 2-3 times per day, lying down and sitting up & standing
• Concentrate on deep diaphragmatic breathing; relaxation of the entire upper body; and increased breath capacity
• Practice in a quiet environment to help encourage focus
• Have adult supervision until child can practice with ease on their own
• Once good breathing practice is established, practice more frequently throughout the day
• Review your “mental checklist” during breathing exercises
• Are my face, jaw, tongue relaxed?
• Is my throat open and relaxed?
• Are my shoulders relaxed and not moving?
• Is my chest relaxed and not moving?
• Is my diaphragm doing all the work: moving out for inhalation and in for exhalation?
• Is my breathing rate slow and rhythmic?
• Is my breath full and relaxed (can count to 2 seconds on inhalation and 4-5 seconds on exhalation)

Swallow-breathe technique

• Swallow followed by exhalation and initiation of diaphragmatic breathing. Do 10 full cycles of inhale/exhale.
• Continue with multiple cycles if needed, until the vocal cord dysfunction goes away.
• If a vocal cord dysfunction event refuses to be suppressed with this technique, analyze the problem more fully and consult medical assistance, if needed.

Relaxed throat breath

• Do 5 of these relaxed throat breaths in the morning, at noon, before bedtime, before medications, as needed.
• Hand on abdomen (above the belt or both) when needed
• Inhale into abdomen- abdomen comes out
• Exhale from abdomen-abdomen comes in
• Tongue on floor of mouth
• Lips gently closed
• Jaw gently released

Monitor fluid intake

• Drink 6 to 8 eight-ounce glasses of water per day. Increase fluid intake beyond this when actively participating in exercise.
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6 Simple Daily Vocal Exercises When Suffering Vocal Disorders

Introduction.

Regular vocal exercises are important to our vocal health In order to maintain your vocal quality, you must practice correct voice production. Generating your voice in a proper way may minimize air intake during speaking or singing.

Vocal disorders over-stressing of your vocal folds, excessive rubbing of the cords against each other, and producing too loud and sharp voices.

By daily practicing correct voice production, you can minimize the rubbing of your vocal cords against each other. This shall keep them intact and make them more flexible.

In case of hoarseness, or chronic vocal disorders or discomforts, a 3 to 5 minutes of exercise, twice a day, is an essential part of the treatment. Daily exercises will eventually make your vocal folds move more moderately. This can help treating existing disorders, as well as preventing new ones.

Do not perform any vocal exercises in cases of sore throat.

In cases of vocal cords hemorrhages, or when you recover from a vocal cords nodule / polyp / cyst removal surgery, keep completely silent, if your doctor recommends it.

In case of ailments, edema, redness, or swelling of the cords, you better use TMRG Voice Powder or TMRG Classic Spray, to prevent overstraining of the cords. Otherwise, the exercises will just increase the cords rubbing against each other.

Preferably, one should regularly consult a vocal teacher or a speech therapist, in order to receive all necessary information and instructions for dealing with common disorders.

But, if such a consultation is impossible for you, you should perform these exercise, to help your vocal system. Naturally, our customers prefer using TMRG products, but daily exercise would enhance the products’ effects.

Theoretical background:

Your voice may sound either “thin” or “full”.

A thin voice is generated when only the outer edges of your vocal folds contact each other. By contrast, a “full” voice is generated when your vocal folds are tightly pressed against each other, only allowing a minimum airflow. In the latter case, your voice strongly resonates from your lower resonance cavities (rib cage, larynx, and oral cavities).

Whenever you speak loudly, you use a “full” voice”

Whenever you sing high notes lightly, with airy sound, you use a “thin” voice. (One can, of course, sing high pitches with a ‘full”, loud and thick voice.)

Words consist of consonants, produced by stopping the airflow, and vowels, when air is forced in the voice box. By performing easy airflow exercises, you could achieve an even and smooth airflow through your voice box as well as smooth movement from consonants to vowels. As a result, your vocal organs will grow smoother, upgrading your vocal performance.

6 Key Exercises

Nasal air pressure vocal exercises..

When you channel the airflow towards your nose, either when speaking or singing, you enhance your vocal intensity while minimizing the stress of your larynx. To find this resonance spot, take an “n-g” sound.

When directing the sound towards your nose, carefully make sure to leave the passage slightly open. This way, you can prevent the tone from getting too nasal (unless you want it to sound this way).

Directing the air pressure towards your nose also makes it easier for you to move to higher pitchers.

In such exercises, it is important to feel the rib-cage resonance. When singing, you should also stress your frontal cavities and sinuses resonances.

The “sh” sound vocal exercise:

• Empty your lungs completely, breathing through your mouth and making a “sh” sound for eight seconds. Bring the tip of your tongue close to your front teeth, and draw your lips forward, to distance them from your gums.
• Breathe in through your nose, for 4 seconds, with your mouth closed.
• Hold your breath for eight seconds.
• Repeat the process, continuously, for about 10 times. When you first practice it, repeat it 5 times, and gradually increase the repetitions.

During this exercise, you should feel a slight pressure from the abdomen, and expose your lower teeth.

It serves to regulate airflow and respiratory and vocal organs coordination, for improving your vocal control and thickening a thin and weak voice. Making a “sh” sound repetitively, strengthens the lower abdominal vocal support muscles, and helps directing the airflow forward.

The “brrr” Exercise

Make a “brr” or a “prr” sound, rolling your lips, in rising and descending tones, within a range which feels comfortable. During the exercise, it is better to place 2 fingers on your cheeks, near your dimples, without moving your chin. You can put your hand on your chin occasionally, to mark the spot.

Intensify the sound gradually, and also fluctuate it, by shaking your diaphragm. Project the sound outwards. Perform this exercise between 2 and 3 minutes.

This exercise is meant to relax your lips and many other vocal organs. It also significantly improves the coordination between the voice box and vocal support muscles, namely the diaphragm, intercostal muscles, and muscles of the torso(back). It helps preventing lazy lips and intensifies the oral and vocal muscles sensation.

Straw Exercises:

1. Make rising and descending tones, at a moderate intensity, with a drinking straw in your mouth.

This should help you control airflow and minimize air intake.

2. Blow through the straw into half a cupful of water, making rising and descending tones, so that you see bubbles. Try to make as small bubbles as possible. This should help you minimize air intake .

Then, blow at various range, while shaking your abdomen and diaphragm. This should help you practice diaphragm and vocal organs coordination, as well as diaphragm vibration.

3. Speak through a straw: this should help your muscle memory of the ways to speak properly and minimize air intake.

During all three exercise, you should increase your breathing range, in order to practice diaphragm support and the use of counter-force. This helps making your vocal cords and muscles healthier and stronger.

Nasal resonance exercise: making an “n” sound.

• Close your nostrils, but make sure to leave a small air passage, so that the sound does not get too nasal. Make sure to direct the airflow towards your nose. You should feel a buzz in your nose.
• “nay” (“n” should sound nasal. When making it, the front of your tongue should close the air passage to your mouth, to make the air flow directly to your nose. Do not press your tongue too tightly.

“twang” (try imitate a duck call, to intensify it).

Perform the exercise for 2 to 3 minutes. You can repeat this sounds at rising and descending tones, or as a singing exercise, moving either from lower to higher tones, or the other way around. The sound should be concentrated, metal, non-airy and nasal.

This exercise is essential for learning to make “mask sound”, or frontal resonance sound. It should increase your resistance to vocal stress and prevent involuntary

Contractions.

Vocal cords closing exercise:

Consonants invigorate the sound and enhancing its momentum.

Warning: do not practice it in case of hoarseness or vocal cords ailments.

Make the following sounds:

“d-t-d-t”, and so on.

“b-p-b-p”, and so on.

K-g (like “game”)-k-g” (this should make your rear palate and lower tongue more flexible).

Pronounce these consonants by blocking the airflow, and then letting it burst. Make the pronunciation as short as possible.

You may also increase the range, to make the exercise more challenging.

To conclude

Gentle vocal exercises for singers can make your voice glow more freely when you speak. It also works the other way around: you can sing more powerfully if you practice fluent and articulate speech, using many vocal muscles, especially practicing smooth movements between consonants and vowels, and strengthen your lazy vocal muscles.

This should make you feel your vocal muscles are more resistant to vocal stress, and prevent vocal muscles involuntary contractions.

In cases of vocal stress and other vocal disorders, a combination of TMRG solutions and exercising should shorten the recovery of your voice. It also helps regular vocal maintenance.

TMRG voice specialist

Damaged Vocal Cord Exercises

Composed of muscle tissue, vocal cords are the two small elastic bands within the larynx. When air is exhaled through the trachea, it passes through the closed vocal cords, causing them to vibrate and produce noise.

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When you are not speaking, the vocal cords remain open and allow you to breathe. Occasionally, the small elastic bands become damaged, which impacts breathing, speaking, eating and coughing, according to Cleveland Clinic. Voice exercises to strengthen vocal cords aim to help you regain control of your vocal cords and throat.

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Read more: 4 Good Foods and 3 Bad Foods for Your Voice

Vocal Cord Strengthening Exercises

If the damage to your vocal cords has caused them to become weak, strengthening exercises may help your condition. Pronouncing words and phrases that begin with a vowel tend to be the best exercises for activating the vocal cords. The Aurora Health Care website recommends repeating the phrase "Ah-Ah-Ah" with a hard onset 10 times at least three times per day. Throughout the day, challenge yourself to repeat words that begin with vowels, such as "upstairs, elephant, ignore, accident and owl." As you say the words, try to emphasize the first sound.

Add the Push/Pull Technique

If you are having trouble clearly enunciating the words or phrases used in the strengthening exercises, consider combining them with the push-pull technique. Pushing or pulling up against seat of a chair while simultaneously repeating the "Ah-Ah-Ah" phrase to make the exercise more effective. The push/pull movements are thought to encourage closing of the vocal cords, which helps in pronunciation.

Clear Your Throat

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center recommends a "supraglottic swallow maneuver," which can help clear the throat in preparation of speech.

• Turn your head toward the side of the damaged vocal cords. If vocal cords on both sides are damaged, simply leave the head pointing forward.
• Hold your breath tightly while swallowing.
• Then, cough immediately after swallowing before exhaling.

The throat is cleared during the swallowing phase, while the coughing phase helps bring the vocal cords closer together.

Read more: Voice Training Exercises for Beginners

Relax the Throat

Learning how to relax the throat can help you maintain control of your breathing and damaged vocal cords.

• Lie on the ground with your knees bent and feet flat on the ground.
• lace your hand on your abdomen as you inhale slowly through the nose and exhale slowly through pursed lips.
• Watch your hand as it moves up and down with each breath.
• Alter the speed of your inhalations and exhalations, keeping the throat relaxed with each breath.

As you become familiar with the exercise, practice breathing in upright, squatting, leaning forward and bent over positions.

• Aurora Health Care: "Vocal Cord Strengthening Exercises (PDF)"
• Cleveland Clinic: "Vocal Cord Dysfunction"
• The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center: "Supraglottic Swallowing Method"