Korean Job Discussion Forums

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Hi

Ive got some reasonably long back to back teaching sessions coming up.

Anyhow, I always get a sore throat; I'm guessing its because i speak from my throat. I try to keep the volume to normal talking level, but its hard in 50+ classes. any tips or tricks for avoiding a sore throat?

Ta

R. S. Refugee · Joined: 29 Sep 2004 Location: Shangra La, ROK

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

polonius · Joined: 05 Jun 2004

Try strengthening your diaphragm. When I was in Theatre School, one exercise was to lie on your back and put something heavy on your stomach. Then take deep breaths into that location. When breathing, try not to breathe into your chest. This will help you speak from your diaphragm rather than your throat.

Imagine, I got a University degree for spending hours rolling around on the floor. My Bachelor of F All.

I_Am_The_Kiwi · Joined: 10 Jun 2008

keep drinking water.......if your throat dries out, thats when it gets itchy and sore....

dont start speaking til the kids are all quiet too so you dont have to shout.

Easter Clark · Joined: 18 Nov 2007 Location: Hiding from Yie Eun-woong

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

There is a Korean medicine that you gargle that works really great for this. It is called Haek Sa Mae Din . Sorry, I can't type in Korean since I am in Thailand now.
It is in a brown semi-transparent bottle. Sometimes there is a profile view of a head, mouth, throat on the bottle, but sometimes not.
Use that between each class, works great.

Drew345 · Joined: 24 May 2005

Oh, and don't forget. I learned in my CELTA class that a good teacher actually talks LESS in class. So I figure when my throat gets sore from talking I really only have myself to blame!
This may not work with a class of 50. But try to keep "Teacher Talk Time" down; it's the "right" thing to do.

sojourner1 · Posted: Thu Jul 31, 2008 12:58 am Post subject:

Yes, sinus colds and sore throat is going around right now. I'm having trouble speaking too. It takes a lot of effort to pronunciation and produce enough volume. Hopefully I'll be over it by next Tuesday.

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Gargle with saltwater. I haven't done it but my Uni Eng prof said this when I told him I was going to Kor to teach Eng.

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

thanks all; im going to try to get that bottle of stuff.

bassexpander · Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Location: Someplace you'd rather be.

Keep a bottle of water handy at all times. That's what I do. I pee a lot, but it works.

nautilus · Joined: 26 Nov 2005 Location: Je jump, Tu jump, oui jump!

Yeah I insisted on a microphone from day 1.
i won't teach without one. And a projector too.

hugekebab · Joined: 05 Jan 2008

Unposter · Joined: 04 Jun 2006

I usuallydrink hot liquids, often just plain hot water, in the classroom. Remember cafeinated drinks dehydrate you.

If you feel a sore throat coming on, in the evening take hot pear or plum juice.

Once the sore throat comes on, those Korean throat or "mok" candies can get you through.

Never tried it but I remember reading one time that Roger Daltry of the Who fame used to eat something like a gallon of ice-cream (yes, I wrote a gallon - I hope that is right - I remember being quite shocked at the quantity when I read it) before giving a concert in order to protect his throat.

I am guessing there are worse ways to protect your throat.