Simply Voice Online

By Susan Berkley

TMJ is an abbreviation for the “temporomandibular joint”. I know it’s hard to say, so if you can’t pronounce it, think “jaw joints.” The TMJs are the small joints in front of each ear that attach the lower jaw (mandible) to the skull. They allow you to perform such functions as opening and closing your mouth, chewing and speaking. Actor Bert Reynolds suffered from an unusually severe case of TMJ during his much publicized split with Loni Anderson.

According to the website www.tmj.org TMJ diseases and disorders refer to a set of conditions, manifested by pain in the jaw and associated muscles and limitations in the ability to make the normal movements of speech, facial expression, eating, chewing, and swallowing.

I’m writing about TMJ this month because from time to time I suffer from this syndrome. Fortunately my symptoms are mild. But hopefully what I’ve learned about TMJ can help you, or someone you know who suffers from this painful condition.

The National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research of the National Institutes of Health indicate that 10.8 million people in the United States suffer from TMJ problems.

Medical research has not yet defined all the causes of the various TMJ /disorders.

At first I thought my TMJ symptoms were because of all the talking I do. But then I learned that TMJ is primarily a stress related or psychosomatic condition. Contrary to what many people believe, “psychosomatic” does not mean you are “making up” your symptoms. They are very real and can be very painful. Psychosomatic medicine studies the connection between the mind and body and especially how stress lowers our resistance and facilitates disease.

On a recent trip to Brazil, I spoke with Dr Marcia Sgrinhelli, (pronounced: skrin-YELL-y) a dentist specializing in psychosomatic medicine. According to Dr. Sgrinhelli, people generally deny goodness in their lives and mistakenly and unconsciously attack what brings them the most happiness, growth and success. This unconscious fight against our own well-being causes our muscles to contract.

For some 10 million of us, the focal point of the muscle tension is in our jaw. If we don’t accept the consciousness of our resistance to goodness and treat the source of the problem, the underlying tension can cause the uncomfortable symptoms of TMJ. Dr. Sgrinhelli really gave me some food for thought.

The other day, while teaching a class I felt the sudden, sharp and familiar pain of TMJ. Dr. Sgrinhelli’s words immediately came to mind. “People generally deny goodness in their lives and mistakenly and unconsciously attack what brings them the most happiness, growth and success.” Teaching my voice classes is one of the most pleasurable things I do. I love helping others and it’s enormously beneficial to me as well. So why am I resisting doing good for myself and others? Apparently, the reason why didn’t matter. As soon as I asked myself the question, the pain disappeared– immediate proof of the connection between body and mind!

Gently massaging the jaw joints or placing a warm washcloth on the sore spots can also help release the muscle spasms.

Of course if you experience pain in your jaw (or anywhere else in your body) you should consult your doctor or dentist.. I hope that reflecting on these questions will help you as much as they have helped me.

From The VoiceCoach Newsletter by Susan Berkley. Reprinted with permission. Copyright 2008 All Rights reserved.

This is the beginning of a series of interviews with blogging Boomer Rosie Horner on the power of your voice. She is actually getting free coaching.

This article expressed something I truly believe.  Just today I was speaking with friends about the fact that too many of us living here in the U.S.A., have no respect for, nor are we even acquainted with silence.  It seems almost impossible to walk down a street, drive your car, or enter a room where people are gathered for any reason, where we don’t see someone with either something plugged into his or her ears or is talking on cell phone.  On several occasions while dining in  restaurants, I’ve seen parents plop the young ones down and immediately set up a DVD player so that the child could watch a movie. 

I suppose you’re wondering, “Hey I thought this blog was about voice!”  It is, this time, it’s the inner voice that I’m concerned about.  Read the following article and see what the author has to say about disabling your inner voice.

The Voice Queen

Conscience and your own issues

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I love comedy.  Never thought about it being a male or female thing.  This article, I found thought provoking.  What are your thoughts?    Voice Queen 

“Comedy is so unfeminine,” says comedian Judy Gold. “It’s so powerful. I mean if you think about it, it’s you and a microphone and a bunch of people listening to you.” Gold thinks society is still not accustomed to women having that power. “For a woman, it’s like, ‘That’s interesting, keep it to yourself, shut up,’” she says.

read more | digg story

Today I offer tribute on the passing of a man with a tremendous voice who shared it with us all. Luciano Pavarotti made opera interesting, fun and accessible to the masses. It was a joy to watch him perform. One could tell he truly enjoyed his job - his art.

When he came to Miami, what a buzz he made. Luciano Pavarotti on the beach. I’m not talking about one of our many concert halls here, I mean on the sand in South Beach! Actually there was a stage built on the beach. People who probably would never have doned formal wear and gone to the opera; had the opportunity to show up casually dressed and see and hear the great Pavarotti in concert. Yes, there were some people formally dressed. There was a patrons reception.

Thank you Mr. Pavarotti for sharing your extraordinary voice with us all - the young and old, the rich and the poor,and the regular everyday people who love and appreciate music.

Good night Sweet Prince!

Do you have half an hour once a week  to help grow your business? 

You’re in luck!  Every Monday at noon (ET) YourEmergingSmallBusiness.com, hosts it’s “Lunch and Learn” Teleseminar Series.  Business experts voice valuable tips that will help you increase your business’ bottom line ($$$). 

Check it out!  This could be the most valuable half hour you spend all week.  Check out the website and sign up for the sessions.  The price is right.  Free.  Just time and concentration on your part.  Come prepared to take notes and put them to use.  The address is www.youremergingsmallbusiness.com.

See you on the call.

We all have been told how to protect our skins when spending time outdoors. But what have you been told about protecting your voice when attending sporting events?

Not a lot I’ll bet.  If you’ve see or heard any type of media in the past few weeks, you know it’s  The U.S. Open Tennis Tournament for the next few days; football season has started; baseball is rapidly moving to The World Series time; World Track and Field competition is hot, and there’s lots more on the sports arena. “So what does this have to do with my voice,” you ask?

Ever spent a Saturday night or Sunday afternoon, screaming and cheering your favorite team on, and  Monday morning your voice was painfully weak - maybe even hoarse?  Beat yourself up for screaming your lungs out or wished you had used more restraint?  Besides, the team either won or loss. You did your part. You  were a loyal fan.

Not to worry, I’m not subscribing to the “silent cheer” formula.  I’ll share just a few tips that will allow you to cheer your team to victory or support them in defeat.  Or if you prefer, be the most effective  “armchair coach” on the planet and still be in “full voice” on Monday morning.

* Hydrate- Sip liquid (water, Gatorade, etc) frequently when you’re outside and/or using your voice for an extended period of time.  Careful about your alcohol consumption.  Tastes and feels good, but is awfully drying to vocal chords.

*Take a deep breath - Before you start your cheer, breathe.  Good breath support helps support your voice.

*Practice a little restraint -  You’re screaming your head off - cut back and take a small sip of water.  Your voice will thank you.

*Use your Props- Take signs, use a megaphone, use your pom poms.  Your team will see and appreciate your efforts. Besides you’re still voicing your cheer, just kicking it up a notch with visuals.

Sport Fans, have a good time.  Enjoy the game. The Voice you Save, will be your own!

“Hello, this is Benjamin.” The smile on my face was a full, side to side grin!

Why would those four words bring such joy to me? First of all, they were from my Dad. I renamed the company, formerly ANCO Leadership Services, to honor him. He had called me earlier in the day and heard the message on my answering service say, “Hello, thank you for phoning The Benjamin Leadership Group.” He thought, “I’ll get her this time by saying, Hello, this is Benjamin. ” I loved it!

Second reason, My dad and I have always had a very special relationship. That phone call from him is even more precious now that he is 90+ years old and has failing eyesight. Of course, I called him back and we had a good laugh about his message. I told him that he made not only my day, but my year and more.

Call someone you love today and give them the gift of the sound of your voice.

One of the kindest things you can do for someone is to take the time to learn to pronounce his or her name. If you want to endear yourself to a new contact, a new employee, a prospect, a business associate, a patient, a student, a classmate, anyone with a difficult to pronouce name, take the time and practice saying the name with that person until you get it right. What you’re really saying is “I value you.”

Taking the time to properly pronounce someone’s name says something about you. It puts you in a positive light. It says that you care. It shows that you respect the dignity of the individual that you are addressing.

If you’re engaging in further conversation, once you’ve gotten the pronunciation correct, find a way to use the person’s name at least three times in the conversation. Each time the name is used, the person relaxes a bit more. At the same time, you’re helping yourself to remember that name.

Go ahead, try it. Make someone’s day!