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Like any other activity, speaking for long periods of time may strain unprepared muscles. You might be saying to yourself, “No problem, I’m used to talking for hours.” You will make this mistake only once. A tablespoon of honey mixed with several drops of lemon and glycerin is a wonderful folk remedy for the week-long bout of laryngitis you will probably suffer if you do talk too much.

You must learn to protect your voice. When there is a lot of outside noise or if people are talking loudly around you, pause in your commentary instead of attempting to talk over it. Shouting for prolonged periods can seriously damage your vocal chords, and no one will pay attention in any case. Whether you have access to a microphone or not, project your voice from your diaphragm, not your throat. Allow your breathing patterns to help the sound of your words flow instead of blocking them. Drama or voice classes are an excellent investment if you feel your voice does not carry well. For guides who want to learn some techniques to keep their voices fit and flexible, we have found The Right to Speak and The Need for Words by Patsy Rodenburg, head of the voice departments at both London’s Royal National Theatre and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, have many easy but effective voice exercises. Ask for other recommendations at any bookstore or library, or contact a local chapter of Toastmasters.