How not to sound old
Peter Watson, PhD, an associate professor in the U of M Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, speaks about voice production and changes that occur with the voice as we age. A soft, raspy, or hoarse “old age” voice requires extra effort to be understood. Chronic throat clearing while speaking is another problem that can put a damper on conversation. The good news is, there are things we can do to build and maintain our vocal strength, producing and maintaining a stronger and clearer voice.
Dr. Watson currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, and Voice Disorders and Cleft Palate. His research emphasis has been in studying neuromuscular speech disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS. He also continues to study the professional voice user.
How not to sound old
Tue, March 2 2021, 11am
Peter Watson, PhD
U of M Department of Speech, Language, and Hearing Sciences
Event to be held via Zoom.
Did you know that the part of your body from which your voice emanates is as small as your thumbnail, and the tissue is as soft as the inside of your cheek? No wonder it can become worn out as we age.
Wrinkled hands and loss of height are among the more unflattering physical signs of aging, and hearing loss, especially if unaddressed, can have a profound impact on one’s ability to thrive in later years. But so, too, can a weakening voice, which is another normal part of the aging process worthy of our attention.
Note: Originally scheduled for February 16, this workshop has been rescheduled for March 2. Please register to join us then!
A soft, raspy, or hoarse “old age” voice requires extra effort to be understood. Chronic throat clearing while speaking is another problem that can put a damper on conversation.
The good news is, there are things we can do to build and maintain our vocal strength and, along with it, our ability to communicate with others.
Peter Watson, PhD, an associate professor in the U of M Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences, will be the featured speaker for this Living Well Workshop on Tuesday, March, starting at 11 a.m.
Helpful strategies
His presentation will include an overview of voice production and changes that occur with the voice as we age. In addition, he will offer us strategies that may be helpful to producing and maintaining a stronger and clearer voice.
Watson’s special appreciation for the human voice is evidenced by the fact that he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in vocal performance. He earned his PhD in speech and hearing sciences from the University of Arizona in Tucson, and taught at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland before joining the U of M faculty in 2003.
He currently teaches Anatomy and Physiology of the Speech and Hearing Mechanisms, and Voice Disorders and Cleft Palate. His research emphasis has been in studying neuromuscular speech disorders such as Parkinson’s disease and ALS. He also continues to study the professional voice user.
Please register and bring your questions to what promises to be a fascinating and helpful workshop. The voice you save may be your own!
—Kristine Mortensen, editor
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