World Voice Day 2024: Resonate, Educate, Celebrate!

Patrick McGarey, MD, on behalf of the Voice Committee

April 16th is World Voice Day, an annual worldwide event celebrating the human voice and highlighting the significance of voice disorders. This year’s theme, “Resonate, Educate, Celebrate” calls us to highlight and share the critical role vocal health plays in our personal and professional lives.

While the human voice physically resonates in our body, it also allows us to resonate meaning with the emotions and experiences of others. Whether through a deep genuine laugh, a few earnest words of encouragement or a transcendent song, the multifaceted nature of our voice connects us with others. Living with a voice disorder can greatly limit the ability to share ideas and emotions affecting one’s identity and capability.

Education is a foundation of our society and is fundamental to improvement of the human condition. We should all take a moment to applaud those who choose to educate others, often with a heavy reliance and toll on their voice.  But we all can be educators in our own way. Raising awareness about vocal health and hygiene can help to ensure clear, confident communication in and out of the classroom or clinic.

After a uniquely challenging past few years, we should celebrate what it means to be human. The COVID-19 pandemic officially ended May 2023, and we have seen routines, rituals, and human celebration return to a state of normalcy over the past year. World Voice Day is a special celebration to showcase the breadth of meaning of the human voice in our lives. Take care of your voice and resonate, educate, and celebrate with others on World Voice Day 2024!