I just read Speakers Tips Dry Mouth compiled by — Nancy Camp I contributed some of the suggestions and have another blog post with other tips for preventing or dealing with dry mouth.
Found in SpeakerNetNews.com
Here are several proven tips and techniques performers swear by:
• Don’t drink coffee or dairy before a speaking engagement. Coffee is a diuretic and dries out your mouth, larynx and throat. Dairy consumption will increase the amount of mucus in your mouth, throat and nasal cavity.
• Hydrate beginning several hours before your speak by drinking lots of water. Better to come into a speaking engagement well-lubricated than trying to make up for it on the spot.
• Drink a tea called Throat Coat (Yogi Teas which I get at Trader Joe’s but which are widely available.) Surprisingly tasty, it’s made from slippery elm which is a traditional remedy for sore throat.
• Use Biotene brand mouthwash. Available over the counter, it’s non-alcohol-based and formulated to help with dry mouth.
• Entertainer’s Secret and other artificial saliva spray products will help. Might need to order these via specialty drugstore or online.
• For some folks, it helps to take a decongestant (I know, it seems counterintuitive, but it works.) Just make sure it’s the non-drowsy kind. Simple Claritin is very effective with no side effects.
• Finally, ALWAYS warm up your vocal cords before you step up to the lectern. Go off by yourself and vocalize, read a chapter aloud from a book, sing, yodel, or even whistle a while. Use it or lose it. "
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