Board 8 > I've never done 9 hours of tournament commentary before

(+) Yeah! (+)

Until yesterday.

I woke up this morning feeling like I'd taken sandpaper to my throat. Anyone do this as a hobby and have tips to make next time easier? I was guzzling water and using the bathroom frequently so it wasn't dehydration.

Vitamin C is your friend. Honey can be good too.

Sometimes gargling can help, but don't do it with salt water like some people do because they'll hurt the vocal cords more. Warm water is probably better than cold water.

Try not to be breathless before speaking, try to breathe through your diaphragm, try not to yell, try to massage your neck muscles before beginning...just odds-enhancers, I know being an announcer means it's hard not to ever yell as a reaction to something hype. Hope this helps!

What game?

TomNook7 posted...

What game?

Magic. Local store is getting into content and had a $1000 tournament yesterday. This was the first one they've had commentary for and we got 35 viewers at peak -- I know it doesn't sound impressive, but it's by far the best they've ever done so I'm proud. I got PMs from locals who watched and want to come out and play in the future too.

HaRRicH posted...

Vitamin C is your friend. Honey can be good too.

Sometimes gargling can help, but don't do it with salt water like some people do because they'll hurt the vocal cords more. Warm water is probably better than cold water.

Try not to be breathless before speaking, try to breathe through your diaphragm, try not to yell, try to massage your neck muscles before beginning...just odds-enhancers, I know being an announcer means it's hard not to ever yell as a reaction to something hype. Hope this helps!

Thanks a bunch. I'll avoid salt water, and honey does sound nice.

I can also post the VOD if people want to see. I'd love feedback on presentation since we're still new at it (obviously I don't expect you to watch all 9 hours).

I think there actually is Korean market nearby! I'll look at that tomorrow.

The tea that Nio is referring to is (Yujacha). If you can't find it at the Korean market, it's available online. But it's fairly common.

I can't speak to its efficacy for dealing with a sore throat though.

Definitely don't have anything dairy before you plan to do a lot of talking. It thickens your mucus. Drink room temperature water, as unappealing as that sounds. You can add lemon and honey for flavoring.

I would do 7-8 hours of yelling at convention booths, and would eat at least 1 lozenge an hour pre-emptively. If you feel like you need one, you're too late. And use your diaphragm for volume like when projecting to a room, even if you have a mic, so your vocal cords don't need to do as much. It also helps to use a slightly higher register than your normal voice, so when you drop back to your natural voice after the event, it's not as tired.

trdl23 posted...

. I got PMs from locals who watched and want to come out and play in the future too.

And that's how it begins

Leonhart4 posted...

Definitely don't have anything dairy before you plan to do a lot of talking. It thickens your mucus. Drink room temperature water, as unappealing as that sounds. You can add lemon and honey for flavoring.

Room temperature water is the best water though

me either!

So it turns out I'm actually just sick lol