Problem: Some foods and beverages harm the voice

Solution: Avoid those.

Which ones to avoid?

Caffeinated drinks and food: They increase jitters; and caffeine dries your throat. Avoid these drinks for 3-4 hours before conducting a meeting, public speaking, radio interviews. No chocolate, either, in drinks or in confections. Too much caffeine.

Alcoholic beverages, likely to dry the vocal cords

Fried foods, because fat causes phlegm in the throat. Also pastries (too much fat.)

Dairy, like milk, cheeses, lattes. Mucous in throat impairs your voice.

Creamy items, like blue cheese salad dressing, mayonnaise.

Menthol products, including cough drops, mints. (Menthol dries out vocal cords.)

An interesting note: Many workshops I attend offer coffee and pastries before the program and during the breaks. Both the presenters and the participants consume these products.. (Sound familiar? Also at your meetings?)

Better alternatives: Main thing is to stay hydrated with water, and warm herbal decaf tea is good for soothing the throat. Use fruit for snacks.

Loren Ekroth ©2011, all rights reserved

Loren Ekroth, Ph.D. is a specialist in human communication and a national expert on conversation for business and social life.