More Warm-up Options

There's plenty out there on the net about vocal warm-ups. Some are free, some you pay for. It seems most of the ones that you pay for (in the $15-20 range) are directed at singers, so I haven't picked any of those up.

One I found at:
http://www.ljlseminars.com/vocal_warm_up.htm
is an article by Susan Berkley that stresses the need to do the exercises slowly and push for proper articulation, as does Jacobi's. It does feel funny, but bear in mind that you're pushing for accuracy and you need to get your mouth use to making those sounds. Also, she briefly stats the need to drink a glass of warm water. I've heard this before and understand from singers that neutral-warm water is better for your vocal cords than cold. So, stay out of the `fridge.

Here's one that will make my ear, nose and throat specialist proud:
http://www.entnet.org/news/voiceday_warmup.cfm
It's the American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery site. They offer audio samples of how to perform the exercises on line with descriptions of how to perform the exercises. Some of their exercises are different than Jacobi's and Berkley's, and some overlap. They do go so far as to include a "cool down".

Again, there are lots of resources out there, just spend some time surfing around. Vocal warmups are beneficial no matter what you do. If you talk, you should take care of your voice. And, when it is something you can do while you get ready for your day, there's no reason you can't squeeze one in, once you're familiar with the exercises. The added benefit, of course, is that if you're someone who talks to yourself, when you get caught warming up, you'll be able to tell those people giving you funny looks what you're doing, and they won't think you're just being a space-cadet!