Take care to breathe in discreetly, so that it doesn’t look like you’re preparing for the big coughing show.
As you cough, try to hack up some phlegm to add texture to your cough. If it sounds like your cough is coming up a perfectly smooth airway, it won’t indicate sickness like a really scratchy, phlegmy cough.
When you truly have a bad cough, you probably cover your mouth, try to quiet yourself down, and get it under control. Do the same thing when you’re faking a cough. Act as if you desperately want to calm it down to avoid distracting everyone so that the teacher knows you aren’t doing it for attention.
If you’re typically a very talkative student, this step can be incredibly convincing.
Find a time to do this when you’re home alone or out with friends, otherwise your raspy voice can be easily explained away by adults.
Apologize for not being able to speak, and act as if you are trying. This will reinforce the idea that your body is out of your control.
Even though you want your teacher to take notice of your cough and discomfort, try not to become the center of attention. If you act overdramatic, your teacher (and classmates) may start to believe you have ulterior motives.
