Talking

voice without shouting. You can also learn how to use yourbody better to complement this.Learn how to use combined breathing. This is the art ofbreathing through both your nose and you mouth at thesame time. If you get a sore throat from commentating ona regular basis, it’s likely you are breathing through yourmouth more than your nose. Doing so leads to a dry mouthand scratchy throat, which in turn restricts your vocalchords. If you breathe through your nose exclusively, itmeans you can’t take in enough air, which can in turnchoke your vocal chords.Understanding the diaphragm.Many singers understandhow to use theirdiaphragm, and doing so asa commentator can reallyhelp when the pace of apiece of play goes throughthe roof. To understand thisbetter and learn how to doit, read this excellent pieceon how to sing from your diaphragm.Avoid alcohol, smoking and parties! I know it’s boring, butI have lost count of the amount of times commentators(including me!) have lost their voice on the final day of anevent due to being out the night before at a party withloud music. Attending such a party usually means you haveto shout to be heard, and in turn strains already-strainedvocal chords. I can’t give you any empirical, scientific rea-41