How I save my voice in class

I don’t know about you, but I sometimes get sick of hearing the sound of my own voice when I am teaching my French classes for adults.

A couple of years ago, I had an operation on my throat when I had half my thyroid removed. I was warned that it may have an effect on my voice – and they were right!

Speaking normally was fine but whenever I had to speak more loudly in class or (more rarely!) sing, I found I had to “lower” my voice.

My voice had no power in it

It was difficult in class and by the end of the day, I very often found it difficult to speak at all. I was referred to a speech therapist and I was advised to stay hydrated, do some voice exercises and rest.

I now can tell when I’ve spoken too much in class, so I try to reduce the amount that I speak. I try to keep drinking water regularly during the day. I also warm up like an opera singer - in the privacy of my car as I travel to my classes.

I also give “la parole” to my students and get them to speak as much as possible in class, this means that I can save my voice for when I really need it.

This was one of the main drivers behind developing the recordings on Grab & Go.

Instead of reading out loud and straining my voice I use the recordings in class and the exercises that I’ve developed to go alongside them. It makes teaching my French classes a lot easier on my voice.

It’s also great because I can also use the recorded texts for homework exercises and the students can benefit from the extra listening practice.

To find out more about the Grab & Go listening recordings and exercises click here or go to the shop and see some of the recordings that are available to buy individually.