As voice-over artists, it’s easy to think of mouth noise as an enemy. A challenge to be vanquished before we deliver brilliant performances behind the microphone.
But what if–stay with me–we saw mouth noise as a friend, rather than a foe?
Say ‘cheese!’ – just, not right before a VO session. Dairy is generally bad for the pipes.
I’ve been trying to reframe mouth noise recently in my own work as information I can use to better my voice-over performance, rather than something to eliminate before the real work can begin.
Think about it—have you ever heard a friend/therapist/pastor say something like, “Emotions are information, not something to fear”? For example, anger isn’t necessarily bad on its own, it’s what you do with that anger that counts.
I’m beginning to think of mouth noise in this same way. It’s not the enemy. It’s information.
Ok great, Caroline. What kind of “information” could I possibly get from mouth noise?
Glad you asked. Our body is giving us information all the time. It tells you you need food, rest, water, a break, etc. In 2022, we’re not always great at listening to our bodies; eventually, this catches up to us.
For me, as a yoga therapist, listening to my body is a habit cultivated over years of practice. It’s not a simple “one and done” session, but a constant conversation.
And since voice-over artists use our bodies (aka voices) as part of our artistry, it behooves us to pay attention to what we need so that we can record our best work and elongate our career through proper care of our voice.
All that background to ask the question: What does mouth noise tell us? What health information does it have to offer?
A few interesting things actually. Hearing mouth noise during recording most often indicates that you’re dehydrated! Your body says, “Please, give me water!”
Which you may have already known. But if you’re chugging the H2O constantly and still battling mouth noise, your body may be asking you to do more than hydrate, but change a few habits as well.
After all, what’s an artistic career without a little self-care prescription?
Dehydration can be exacerbated by the following:
- Caffeine
- Alcohol
- Smoking
- Lack of sleep
So if mouth noise is a persistent plague upon your work, consider your habits surrounding the above. Perhaps this is the week you start to adjust your sleeping habits, order decaf, or order sparkling water instead.
Caroline Turner Cole is a voice-over artist and coach based in Dallas, TX. Reach out and connect via Instagram @carolinecolestories or Twitter @ccolestories.
