Communicate Effectively While Wearing a Mask and in Virtual Environments (On-demand webinar)

Note: This is a recording of a webinar held on October 26, 2020.

Training Overview
As we begin discussions of re-opening the nation, we are all faced with the reality of walking back into a world that is vastly different than just a few months ago. Perhaps most noticeably, many public places have initiated mask policies. In a recent study completed in Hong Kong, it was determined that wearing a mask can decrease infection by 75%. In short, by wearing a cloth mask you significantly reduce your own risk of exposure to and spread of virus containing particles. Wearing a mask can be an effective protective measure in preventing community spread of COVID-19, however, we can’t ignore its effects on day to day life. Masks are annoying, uncomfortable, and inconvenient, especially when you need to vocally communicate while wearing one. The workforce is also moving towards virtual platforms in with thunderous acceleration. Virtual platforms also create challenges for communication from home-office ergonomic blunders to prolonged conference calls with less than superb equipment.

This webinar is purposed to equip a diverse, public-facing group of professionals with information and skills necessary to overcome these communication barriers with excellence. Topic areas will include the anatomy and physiology of communication, purposeful enhancement of communication techniques to overcome physical and digital barriers, and recovery techniques to combat work and life related vocal fatigue. The webinar will be presented by Nathaniel Sundholm, MS, CCC-LSP, of the Emory Voice Center.

The course contains two modules: a content module and a resources and evaluation module. After accessing both modules, learners will earn a certificate of completion. When the certificate is available, learners will see a Certificate button on their dashboard.

This recording is approximately 90 minutes. There are no prerequisites. Participants will need a broadband internet connection (Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox are preferred browsers) and computer speakers. For technical support, please contact emoryphtc@emory.edu.

About the Trainer
Nathaniel Sundholm, MS, CCC-LSP

Nathaniel Sundholm, originally from Brooklyn New York, has a Master of Science in Speech-Language Pathology with voice specialization from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. He completed his clinical fellowship at the Emory Voice Center and has since remained a permanent member of the team. Clinical interests and growing expertise include singing voice rehabilitation, cough suppression, reactive airway therapy, dysphagia management, and community outreach/engagement. Nathaniel also has a rich performance background with experience in classical voice, Gospel, R&B, Musical Theatre, and CCM.

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under grant number UB6HP31680, Public Health Training Centers for $4,348,992. This information or content and conclusions are those of the author and should not be construed as the official position or policy of, nor should any endorsements be inferred by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.