Working Through A Cold As A Voice Actor.

Should You Work Through a Cold as a Voice Actor?
Spoiler: Probably not. But here’s what to do if you absolutely must.

When your voice is your job, getting sick isn’t just uncomfortable — it can feel like a direct threat to your income, your clients, and your creative momentum. But here’s the truth most veteran voice actors know (and wish they’d learned sooner):

Your voice needs rest to recover.
Full stop. If your throat is sore, inflamed, or strained, pushing through a session can make it worse — sometimes turning a mild cold into a multi-week problem. You might also create takes that don’t meet your usual standards, costing you callbacks, retakes, or even damage to your reputation.

So before we get into tips and remedies, here’s the honest advice:

If you can reschedule your session, do it.

Your health and vocal longevity are worth protecting. Most clients will understand — and those who don’t? They’re likely not the kind of long-term partners you want anyway.

But we get it. Sometimes the deadline can’t move. The spot has to air tomorrow. Or you're mid-way through a project and can’t afford to lose consistency.

If you absolutely have to record with a sore throat, here’s how to support your voice as best as possible — and avoid making it worse.

Artist-to-Artist Disclaimer:

We are not doctors. We are merely passionate performers who’ve had colds, consumed a lot of tea, and learned a few tricks along the way. Please avoid anything you're allergic to, and if you're seriously ill — see a real medical professional (one with a stethoscope, not a pop filter).

Vocal Survival Tips for a Sore Throat:

1. Save your voice.

Talk less in your daily life. As they say in the movie business, save it for the closeup. Here we’re saving it for the microphone. 

2. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

• Warm water (not hot), herbal teas, and broths are your best friends.
  
  

• Try chamomile, ginger, or licorice root teas. Add a spoonful of honey and a squeeze of lemon for extra soothing power.
  
  

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol — they’ll dry you out.
  
  

3. Skip the Spicy Myths

Some folks swear by hot sauce or whiskey — and while a hot toddy may make you feel braver, it won’t help your vocal chords. In fact, alcohol can make inflammation worse. Use warm liquids, not fire.

4. Gargle Gently

Warm salt water (½ tsp salt in 8 oz water) can temporarily soothe inflammation and clear excess mucus. Try it before your session, not immediately before takes.

5. Use Steam to Soothe

A steam tent (bowl of hot water + eucalyptus oil + towel over your head) can loosen mucus and calm irritated tissue. Breathe in gently for 10–15 minutes. Bonus: it feels amazing.

6. Coconut Oil

High quality Virgin Coconut oil coats and lubricates your throat. Try a teaspoon melted into tea or let it melt slowly in your mouth before speaking.

7. Try a Slightly Lower Vocal Placement

When your throat’s scratchy, going into your typical higher register can feel painful or sound strained. Try speaking from a slightly lower, chestier placement — and dial back your volume and intensity.

8. Less Is More

Record in short bursts. Save your most vocally demanding lines for last. Prioritize precision over power.

9. Use Herbal Helpers (Sparingly)

• Throat Coat tea (slippery elm + licorice root) is a backstage favorite for a reason.
  
  

• Natural lozenges (like Wedderspoon or Ricola) can help, but avoid anything that numbs your throat — it masks warning signs.
  
  

10. Sleep Like a Professional

Rest is repair. Don’t stay up editing or over-rehearsing. Get those solid 8 hours, minimum. You’ll sound better tomorrow.

Final Thought: Rest Isn’t Weakness. It’s Strategy.

Voice acting is athletic work — and athletes don’t train on torn muscles. Your voice deserves the same care. Healing fast isn’t about pushing harder; it’s about knowing when to pause, breathe, and let your body do what it’s built to do. 

Need help navigating client communication when you're under the weather? You're not the only one. Stay tuned to our blog for how to reschedule gracefully and set healthy boundaries when your voice needs a break.