Having a voice. Not Having a voice.

[BlindMessiah94]

I lost my voice (temporarily) over the holidays. I didn't drink, didn't scream all New Years or anything, I just have a really bad throat infection. I have not been able to speak for a while now, and it's been a very unique experience writing down everything on a pad and paper in order to communicate. Hearing your phone ring and not being able to answer. Trying to communicate via only body language and grunts.

It has really put things into perspective for me with how much stuff I just spew out of my mouth at knee-jerk reaction speed. I rarely take the time to really think before I speak, but losing the ability to speak entirely has forced me to do so - I've really been learning a lot about the way I communicate and how to listen more to others. Though it is quite painful, frustrating, and annoying, It has been somewhat of a blessing in disguise. When my voice returns I will have a new found appreciation for verbal communication.

So, for er, um discussion...

Did you ever lose your voice? How did you cope? What was the experience like for you?

If you haven't lost your voice, what do you think your reaction would be if you did? Would you be able to handle an extended period of time (or lifetime) without the ability to speak?

 

[suicide samurai]

First!

I can say that, you can't.

Sorry, jokes aside... yes, I've lost mine. It can be frustrating, as epople who often communicate with you via voice have a hard time adapting.

I feel sorry for thsoe born mute, but at least they don't have to change how they communicate.

 

[Cazza]

I once lost most of my voice due to sickness. I used body language over writing. The few days without speaking was interesting. It worked out fine. I have high speaking skills which includes body language. So the whole family was interested to see how things turned out.

 

[Astoria]

I lost my voice for about a week last year after the soundwave concert. I screamed way too much and I could actually feel it when I strained my voice just that little too much. It actually wasn't too big a deal for me because I can survive without talking to people all that much. I mostly wrote on paper and used hand signals to communicate. My boyfriend took advantage of it though to make jokes

 

[Ponce Master-General]

I almost completely lost my voice when I was in Poland. The bus rides were long, and my friend had Slayer's entire discography on his phone, and... well, I think you can guess what happened.