I would encourage you not to take a muscle relaxant prior to an important meeting unless you know EXACTLY how you are likely to react to it. Ten years ago my MD gave me 5mg Rivotril (clonazepam) to try. My clients (I am a psychologist) saw me in an obviously drugged state; it really didn't help. However, with further trials I realized that taking .5mg (only 10% as much) the night before can be helpful - at least for me. Gary Lea
ADSD, BC, Canada
Sometimes a chiropractic adjustment (to the neck) and/or acupuncture works for me. Also don't have anythinng with caffeine in it. No caffeinated coffee, chocolate or cola. I know it's a bummer but at least from my experience, caffeine worsens my voice. And drink lots of water.--fancynancy--
AB, in central CA
Dedra,I totally agree with Gary. If the people you work with know you and about your vocal disorder, stick with that. That will provide the best impression. You're already dealing with an unknown (your first Botox shot, which hasn't yet kicked in...that's another issue to be dealt with in the future).
Since it's only been two weeks on Botox, you could be experiencing different things (with your voice) every day from here out. Don't introduce new drugs or variables.
Your best bet, to make a good impression, is to go with what you know. P&G hired you for an internship and you have educated them on your vocal case while you've been there. Go with that and *be yourself.* Some drugs (and alcohol) ease some symptoms of SD but...having to make a presentation on Thursday? Don't experiment. Don't try anything new at this point. Be you. That's what you (and they) can rely on.
Best of luck.
--Lynne (AD/SD; Northern California)
I completely agree with what everyone else has said. When you have to give a big presentation the one thing you definitely want to have is energy, and muscle relaxants will rob you of some of it. Also, caffeine might make you jittery (although it depends how tolerant of it you are).I find the best thing to do is to practice, practice, practice, so you can say this without worrying about what will need to be said next. That allows you to think of all your substitute words ahead of time and makes you feel more relaxed, which will help your voice.
In addition to the other "don't intakes" listed above, I would add to avoid dairy products that morning. Not an SD trick, but a singer/actor's trick. Dairy can produce flegm in the throat and make the voice not sound as good.
Finally, smile a lot. I find that the smile not only helps the interviewers think I'm confident and know what I'm doing, but it also helps to relax the muscles and make the voice sound better. (As the old saying goes, it takes more muscles to frown than to smile!)
Good luck with your presentation!
Karen