Effect of Speaking Environment
Several studies in vocal loading show that the speaking environment does have a significant impact on vocal loading. Still, the exact details are debated. Most scientists agree on the effect of the following environmental properties:
- air humidity - dry air increases stress experienced in the vocal folds
- hydration - dehydration increases effects of stress inflicted on the vocal folds
- background noise - people tend to speak louder when background noise is present, even when it isn't necessary. Increasing speaking volume increases stress inflicted on the vocal folds
- pitch - the "normal" speaking style has close to optimal pitch. Using a higher or lower pitch than normal will also increase stress in the speech organs.
In addition, smoking and other types of air pollution might have a negative effect on voice production organs.
Read more about this topic: Vocal Loading
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—George Eliot [Mary Ann (or Marian)
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—John Stuart Mill (1806–1873)
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—Joseph Addison (1672–1719)
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—Virginia Thrall Smith (1836–1903)