Voice tips for video calls
This is an update from an original post on 4/14/20.
Talking on a video call on Zoom or another platform, whether for your job or for socializing, is certainly different than talking in person. You may feel that it is harder to connect with others, or easier to get distracted. Or you may feel more secure to use a modified voice since there literally is more distance between you and your listener(s). Or you may experience vocal fatigue from trying to project towards the computer. There are some tools and video set-up that can help you achieve and maintain gender techniques and healthy voicing. Consider these tips:
If you are modifying your pitch, run a pitch app, such as Voice Tools or Vocal Pitch Monitor, on your phone, and prop the phone up against your computer monitor to watch your average pitch in real time while you are talking on video.
If you are trying to maintain certain voice techniques, put a post-it that says “voice” on your computer monitor to help you stay mindful.
If you don't like looking at yourself while video chatting, many video chat platforms allow you to turn off the self-view window.
Use a face-filtering tool like Snap Camera or wear certain clothing (within or outside of the view of the camera) to help enhance the gendered aspects of how you want to look and feel, which can have a positive impact on how you talk.
Do your video call in a quiet room, on a computer rather than a phone or tablet, and try to not speak quieter or louder than you would if you were having an in-person conversation.
Sit upright with your back straight, aiming your voice straight ahead at the camera to allow you to best manage your voice.
Be sure your speaker and mic are functioning well. If not, consider investing in a good external microphone and set of headphones.
If you experience vocal strain or fatigue, blow bubbles while saying “hoo” into the water at an easy pitch.
Try a salt water gargle if your throat hurts.
If you are talking a lot, take voice breaks between conversations.
If you are modifying your voice in a way that creates strain, try a different technique if you can.
Get a consultation with a voice-specialized speech-language pathologist or laryngologist if your symptoms don't improve.
You likely have considered and tried some of the above strategies already. If not, perhaps some of these will come in handy.
