MetaChat - Fellow Thespians and Public Speakers! Anyone else get dry mouth when speaking live?

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16 June 2006

Fellow Thespians and Public Speakers! Anyone else get dry mouth when speaking live? →[More:] This is my biggest obstacle on stage - my mouth goes desert-dry right before I say my lines, no matter how much water I drink. Mostly this is due to fear/nerves/whatever, but I'd like to hear what other people who pursue public performance do to keep themselves calm and hydrated on stage before big audiences.

post by: Lipstick Thespian at: 16:37 | 10 comments

Yes.

When I did theatre, I kept a lifesaver tucked into my cheek. Kept me salivating, but not too much.
...Although I eventually had to stop because the sugar started rotting the adjacent tooth and cheek.

posted by me3dia 16 June | 16:43

Yes. Singing.

I used to put almond-oil-based lip gloss on my teeth.

Although I've never experimented with this, I know there are mouthwashes out there made especially for people with, er, low-salivation rate.

As far as keeping calm, try the Bach flower Rescue Remedy.

posted by Specklet 16 June | 16:49

bite your tongue

posted by Wedge 16 June | 16:51

I have the opposite problem. When I was in theatre and had to play a character that got agitated, my mouth would flood with saliva. I've spit on the best little theatre actors in all the Southwest.

posted by WolfDaddy 16 June | 16:53

Okay, Wolfie D? Now I'm turned on, you fuck.

posted by Lipstick Thespian 16 June | 17:08

oh yeah, i've gotten the dry throat plenty of times. I also think in combination with that I feel like I need to spit. Weird. Usually, I just pace a bit back stage though and don't think about it. It goes away. No miracle cures though unfortunately, sorry!

Maybe try a little ginger beforehand?

posted by freudianslipper 16 June | 17:16

I remembered a trick: Don't bite your tongue; instead, press the tip of your tongue on the hard palette near your teeth. It's a subtle sucking motion and will stimulate saliva.

Drinking warm water helps, fake yawning helps.

Also, google "oral moisurizers" and check out Biotene, Oasis, and Orajel's saliva spray thingies.

posted by Specklet 16 June | 17:40

I've read about this in relation to opera singing. Apparently there are lozenges you can use. Maybe Diva Despina has some advice.

posted by matildaben 16 June | 21:15

The choir teacher said to drink lemonade an hour before, and a swig of milk just before.

posted by StickyCarpet 17 June | 10:59

milk? whoa, now i've always been told that was a no no. In fact, I pretty much don't drink cow's milk anymore and feel it's for the better for several reasons, one being my voice. But what do I know, interesting nonetheless.

posted by freudianslipper 17 June | 12:55

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