Communicate Effectively While Wearing a Mask and in Virtual Environments

Overview:

This is a 90-minute recording of a webinar held on October 26, 2020.

As we begin discussions of re-opening the nation, we are all faced with the reality of walking back into a world that is vastly different than just a few months ago. Perhaps most noticeably, many public places have initiated mask policies. In a recent study completed in Hong Kong, it was determined that wearing a mask can decrease infection by 75%. In short, by wearing a cloth mask you significantly reduce your own risk of exposure to and spread of virus containing particles. Wearing a mask can be an effective protective measure in preventing community spread of COVID-19, however, we can’t ignore its effects on day to day life. Masks are annoying, uncomfortable, and inconvenient, especially when you need to vocally communicate while wearing one. The workforce is also moving towards virtual platforms in with thunderous acceleration. Virtual platforms also create challenges for communication from home-office ergonomic blunders to prolonged conference calls with less than superb equipment.

This webinar is purposed to equip a diverse, public-facing group of professionals with information and skills necessary to overcome these communication barriers with excellence. Topic areas will include the anatomy and physiology of communication, purposeful enhancement of communication techniques to overcome physical and digital barriers, and recovery techniques to combat work and life related vocal fatigue. The webinar will be presented by Nathaniel Sundholm, MS, CCC-LSP, of the Emory Voice Center.