There's an old saying, "Write what you know." Authors Kate DeVore, MA, CCC-SLP, and Starr Cookman, MA, CCC-SLP, both well-regarded experts in the field of voice, have done just that with The Voice Book. Their book is part vocal improvement workbook and part health reference.

The introduction states that the book has been "designed to help you begin (or continue) your journey toward efficient, strong, and effective voice while minimizing the likelihood of vocal injury and fatigue." However, the authors are also quick to point out that "while this book is a great start, it does not replace work with a qualified voice coach (or therapist, if needed)." With that understanding and disclaimer, they offer a practical and helpful resource targeted at professional voice users.

The Voice Book is a smorgasbord of diverse information, exercises and resources about voice, vocal anatomy, and vocal health and hygiene. Readers can help themselves to some, most or all of the buffet, depending on their areas of interest. Those who seek how-to exercises with accompanying photos or illustrations will not be disappointed, as alignment and breath exercises are explored in accompanying graphics along with a basic overview of vocal anatomy. In addition, the "warm-ups" and "cool-downs" section is very useful.

Professional voice users in the corporate world especially will appreciate the chapter titled, "What to Do in Specific Situations and Environments." This section gives advice on how to modify voice and effort based not only on the size of the listening audience but also on room acoustics as well as the varying vocal demands required from situations like a telephone conversation or a marathon series of speaking events.

The "Frequently Asked Questions" section in most of the chapters does an admirable job of anticipating readers' questions and provides thoughtful answers that are easy to understand. Additionally, cartoon-style speech bubbles throughout the book offer related facts and tips and serve to keep the reader engaged and on track.

Overall, The Voice Book succeeds because it educates people about voice and provides sound advice and practical exercises based in speech science and the performing arts. It sets up voice users for success and good continued vocal health.

Stephanie Grayson is principal and founder of www.CorporateSpeechTrainer.com. The book is available from Independent Publishers Group, online: www.ipgbook.com. Price: $14.95.