Aside from a hoarse voice not exactly doing anything to enhance your confidence at the podium, representing your company at a conference or in a new boardroom environment, or leading a deal-breaking presentation, not knowing how to nurse your vocal cords through a period of high usage can cause much longer-term discomfort than necessary.

Here are some tips from two different voice coaches that, in each case, I had a few sessions with at various times to get me through prolonged periods of voice projection, including, in one instance, to (professionally speaking) survive a whopping case of laryngitis after I facilitated a vigorous two-day strategy session for an overseas client using a speaker phone. (Not the smartest move I’ve ever made.)

• Focus on proper diaphragmatic breathing. This provides the best support for your voice and provides the most leverage in terms of projecting it.

• To get your vocal cords nice and relaxed when they’re feeling strained, fill a basin with boiling water, put a towel over your head and inhale the steam (like you did when you had a cold as a kid).

• Lots of fluids all day. Take small, slow sips constantly throughout your meeting, if that’s the context in which you’re dealing with your vocal issue on the day in question.

• Never have dairy before a presentation, interview or workshop. The protein casein found in milk stimulates mucus production in some people. This can lead to a sensation of throat congestion, and a perceived need to frequent clearing of the throat.

• And on the note of clearing your throat, resist any constant need, including and especially if it’s just nervousness. It produces more need to do it, and it also degrades your vocal cords over time. Instead have a big drink and do very hard swallows.