i want to lose my voice coz i want to get out of an event thing that i don’t want to go to.i know it sounds stupid but please i need help.also how long will it last for?how long will it take to take effect on my voice? i know screaming into the pillow and just screaming and singing is one.i’m gonna try that too but any other suggestions please? also i don’t want to fake it coz i don’t really think i can. thank you in advance.

A: You don’t mention why losing your voice is the only way you can get out of going to this event. Deliberately trying to lose your voice is really hard to do. Screaming into a pillow will take quite some time and can damage your vocal cords. As for how long the effects will last - I can’t say. I suppose it depends on how much damage you’ve managed to inflict on yourself. Are there alternatives to hurting yourself? What is it about this event that makes you so determined to avoid it? Apparently your voice is required at this event so I’m guessing you either have to sing or speak and you are experiencing some major stage fright. The fear of making a major fool of yourself is everyone’s biggest nightmare. But I can assure you from personal experience that - once you have the microphone in your hand and the first few words come out - that you will relax and gain the confidence to finish the presentation. Be as prepared as you can ahead of time. Practice your speech or song until you can do it in your sleep. If you’ve done that, then your brain knows the words and they will automatically come out when required. Why don’t you go ahead and attend the event? I bet you’ll be glad you did.