A successful diet is the triumph of mind over platter.

• Sing every day, even a little. Even five minutes per day is better than marathon rehearsals once a week.
• Breathe correctly and with good posture when you speak. You'll avoid chronic voice fatigue and be in your best voice when you come to an evening rehearsal or performance. And remember, you can't breathe correctly when you're slumped in your chair at the office.
• Speak in the right pitch and vary your pitch. Most men speak too low because we believe a low voice sounds authoritative. On the contrary, a well-supported, free, and resonant voice is the most authoritative, regardless of its pitch. Varying pitch is also good for the voice and for keeping the attention of the listener.

• Drink a lot of water. Water is the best medicine for a sick or healthy voice. To see why, rub your dry hands together, then get them wet and try it again. The same thing happens with your vocal cords and body hydration keeps the vocal cords moist and flexible. But don't only drink a lot on the day of a big performance; your body hydration level must be built up gradually. Increase the water you drink every day and you'll be ready to sing any time. Avoid drinking too many drinks containing caffeine or alcoholic, as they dehydrate your system.
• Don't smoke. Smoke inhaled from a cigarette is around 400 degrees F, which would burn your skin. Imagine what regular exposure to such hot; dry air does over time to your vocal cords, which are some of the most sensitive tissues in your body.
• Exercise your whole body. The voice can't do anything that the body can't sustain. Regular physical exercise is just as helpful as regular singing.
• Get plenty of rest. Athletes don't perform well without rest and, for the same reasons, neither do singers.

• Learn how to relax. Tension has the potential to reduce your effectiveness as a singer. It isn't enough to tell yourself to relax -- you have to know how. There are many relaxation techniques, including yoga, meditation, and others. If practised regularly, most can be drawn upon to help you relax when you are under the stress of an important performance. Find a technique that works for you and practice it.
• Rehearse mentally every chance you get. The voice responds sympathetically to silent mental rehearsal. If you'd like to rehearse but you're somewhere where singing isn't appropriate, rehearse in your head. The vocal mechanism actually flexes in sympathetic response. Try it! It works.
• Listen to good singers, both recorded and live. Most golfers have noticed that they play better when they play with and watch better players. The same is true for singers. But listen to the best. Your subconscious will imitate what it hears.
• Take voice lessons. If you can afford the time and expense, consider taking voice lessons. Even 30 minutes a week with a good instructor will give you encouragement and will help improve your singing more rapidly.