Ever been a Keynote Speaker, on a ZOOM call or soloist in a singing group when suddenly without warning you are plagued by the proverbial “FROG” that shows up in your throat? Not only do you have to excuse yourself, but it’s embarrassing to have to clear your throat and run the risk of coughing up phlegm. Is there a way to prevent the menacing FROG from showing up? You bet there is.
Take the advice of actor Antonio Banderes (I know, throwback) who said when he was on Broadway, singing for the Tony-award winning musical “Nine,” he’d eat whole bags of Ruffles to clear his throat! James Alburger, author of the book “The Art of Voice Acting”, also suggests before recording a voice over while a client is listening in, eat a small bag of potato chips 15 minutes before the session begins.
And so you are asking, what is the magical ingredient in a potato chip that acts like garlic warding off a vampire and also sends “The FROG” hopping off into a pond? Grease! Yes, grease! It instantly coalesces with phlegm. Salt dissolves and stimulates saliva that latches onto the combination, cleanses your larynx and then goes merrily on its way down your throat.
So, if you speak for a living, on your next trip to the grocery store, stock up on bags of Ruffles, Lays, containers of Pringles or favorite Kettle Cooked variety of delicious potato chips. The crunchier and greasier they are, the better! Bon Appetit.