It pains me to say this, but I avoid chocolate before singing. It seems to make my throat hoarse and froggy.

Alcohol is a bit of a two-edged weapon - a bit helps me relax, but too much and I forget the words or the key or what I was going to sing.

Lots of water is always good. Chewing-gum will do if water's not available - it keeps the saliva flowing, especially if your mouth gets a bit dry when you're nervous.

The best tonic for a rough throat, I find, is any herbal tea with ginger in it.