Having recently become acquainted with the charms of 'Siri' Apple's 'Intelligent personal assistant', I was struck by how, when speaking to Siri I became more than usually conscious of my enunciation……

In an age where the focus is on speed of communication and where more attention is paid to the 'message' rather than it's 'delivery' ' will a tool like Siri which has been designed to simplify and speed up our processes of communication, unwittingly put the focus back on our spoken delivery……

(photo not from event!) 

Recently I spend a very uplifting Saturday with a great and spiritual group of people.  I was delivering the ConfidentSpeak Vocal Presence & Elocution workshop.

As opposed to being in a stuffy training room the workshop was held in a church, which is a first for me!

I was working with a large group of African pastors that work throughout Ireland communicating their positive message to the Irish people.

Thank you very much for the opportunity and the experience. 

If you were ever  curious about why people from Cork sound completely different to people next door in Kerry or why people in Mayo speak completely differently to Donegal.

Find out when  Newstalk’s Henry McKean talks to some actors and some acting coaches at a leading Irish Drama school to get some explanations.

According to a new study by Thetutorpages.com website there seems to be a soaring demand for elocution lessons?

The report shows that elocution teachers received more enquiries than teachers of any other subject in 2011.

Let me share with you the findings – it makes interesting reading.

Reasons given in the report for seeking elocution

• a desire to be taken more seriously

• worries about employment and promotion prospects

• fear of public speaking and giving presentations

Quotes from people seeking training

“I have a strong … accent and often the first impression people have of me when they hear me talk is that I’m thick. I want to improve my elocution and tone down my …. accent as I think it may hold me back in my career.”

“I am beginning to get tired of the reaction I get when I open my mouth and although proud of my roots I am wondering if I should have some elocution lessons in order that I am taken more seriously.”

“ …..looking for promotion but feel that my language skills are holding me back. I am from South East Asia and speak Mandarin and English. I’d like to improve on the clarity and tone of my speech, soften my accent……….. “

Who is seeking the training?

A high proportion of the requests come from professionals looking for a way to improve their career prospects, including

• business executives

• bankers

• doctors

• managers

• social workers

• broadcasters

• non-native speakers

Thoughts from speech and elocution tutors for the surge in interest?

"There are a lot of pressures on people to try and improve all aspects of themselves….everyone is fighting for jobs and positions and employers have the upper hand in that they can pick and choose”.

“A lot of people I work with want to develop skills in presentation and communication as well as speech and articulation. It’s about how they put themselves across and whether they can make a clear point.”

“one factor behind the rise in requests for elocution coaching was The King’s Speech, the film starring Colin Firth as King George VI, who sought assistance from a speech therapist to help him overcome his fear of public speaking.

So is it the return to the days of Professor Higgins and Eliza Doolittle?   Where ambitious people were denied opportunities because they spoke – in this competitive job seeking world – it could very well be the case. Food for thought….

The wonderful and sensory Guinness Storehouse in Dublin city was once again the venue to host our recent Vocal Presence Workshop, and by all accounts it was an excellent day.

Voice coach, Olivia believes “keeping the group number small works so well”, it gives lots of opportunity to:

• allow attendees plenty of opportunity to practice new techniques
• give constructive feedback to everyone
• hold discussions on relevant topics 
• and ultimately, address everyone’s needs

People attend the course for a variety of reasons.   Whether it’s building confidence when speaking in public or learning techniques to have greater vocal impact in day to day communications, Olivia believes the same principles apply.

The very practical training itself is delivered using a combination of theater techniques, grounded in anatomy and physiology knowledge.  

Well done to everyone

Find out more click

http://www.confidentspeak.com/home/training/training/vocal_coaching/workshops/

"Stop panicking, take your head out of the sand and Start Doing" -

7 public speaking tips that all begin with the word STOP!

1. Stop – Do not open Powerpoint!! 

Ditch the Powerpoint and get pen and paper out instead. Making Powerpoint your first port-of-call keeps you from thinking about what you actually want to achieve in your presentation.

2. Stop – Thinking about yourself!

Sure you’re nervous but it's not about you! Focus instead on your audience & on helping them to engage, listen and understand

3. Stop – Waffling

Instead of chucking lots of information at your audience in the vague hope that something will stick, focus on the following:

• How will I get the attention of my audience
• How will I keep it
• How will I ensure they remember what I need them to remember 

4. Stop – Rehearsing silently in your head

What can sound very well in your head may not sound well spoken aloud.  To reduce your nerves when public speaking you have to hear yourself aloud numerous times and ideally standing up.  This will ensure a confident delivery.  

5. Stop – Panicking about Q&A 

Based on the subject of your presentation try to anticipate the kind of questions you might get, write them down and prepare some answers in advance.

6. Stop – Leaving it to chance and 'Stage Manage Your Own Success' 

Take ownership for your public speaking opportunity by anticipating what could possibly go wrong using this initial checklist:

• What is the layout of the room
• Have I all the required materials.
• Have I checked and double checked the technology – compatibility, backup, etc.

7. Stop - Panicking

If you follow the 6 public speaking tips above – the more ownership you will take, the more control you will have and the less nerves you will have.

"It’s time to start enjoying your public speaking opportunity and start connecting and engaging a happy audience"

Ever feel that your audience look a little disengaged or passive when you give a presentation? 

Here are seven quick but highly effective presentation techniques that have been proven to work time and time again…

1. A three point list

By structuring a message into a three point list, you both strengthen and amplify a message. A three-point list gives the audience time to recognize and react appropriately. An audience can easily remember lists of three.  
“A mars a day helps you work, rest and play”

2. Use of a metaphor/analogy/story

Using these throughout a presentation will evoke people’s imagination.
“Yes, there is a steep climb ahead…but the view from the summit will be worth it”
By embedding honest personal stories (don’t make them up, it sounds fake) into the presentation brings a human touch which people connect with immediately.

3. Use of contrast

Using contrast in your presentation provides a puzzle, arouses curiosity and opens the way for a punch line.

4. Rhetorical questions

Using rhetorical questions will stimulate thinking, it will evoke curiosity.  It also qualifies the point you wish to make.

5. Personal Language

Use a conversational style – an audience connects much better when they feel they are being talked to as opposed to talked at. Use of the words “I” “We” and “Our” involves the audience as if they are on the journey also.

6. Connect and Commit to every word

It sounds like an obvious presentation skill, but just thinking about what you are saying and how you would like the audience to feel is very powerful.  Many presenters present like they are “going through the motions”.  If you give each word appropriate time and weight your audience will feel like you have really thought about your message. Don’t rush, there is no urgency. This will always draw the audience in.

7. Vocal & Physical Presence

Thinking about how you look and sound is a presentation skill that is often underestimated. Standing composed and grounded adds weight to any presenter and gives the audience confidence in the speaker. Emphasis and energy well used at the appropriate times will carry an audience along with you.  

So, go on give these techniques a go and see what happens in your next presentation.
 

On Saturday December 3rd, Olivia met with another enthusiastic and proactive group of individuals whose aim was to improve their public speaking and presentation skills.

A highly productive day was enjoyed by all. Here are some of the comments…

"Thank you very much – I really enjoyed the day and got a lot out of it."

"I'll definitely be recommending you to the other sites in [ ] – a lot of them could do with it!!"

"It was a great course and I think it's really helped me understand my presentation style/presence"

Our one day workshops guarantees intensive face to face training amongst a small intimate group of people.  With plenty of 1-2-1 feedback.

The very practical training itself is delivered using a combination of theater techniques,  grounded in anatomy and physiology knowledge.

Rest assured that you are not alone! Fear of public speaking is more common than you may think.  It has even been recognised officially as a phobia. It’s name? “Glossophobia”.   

Here are 7 Steps you can take towards taking some of the fear out of public speaking.

Step 1.    Stop panicking & start planning
“It’s all in the planning!” Take pen and paper in hand, and ask yourself:
1.    Why are you speaking in public?
2.    What do you want to achieve by the end?
Once you’ve planned thoroughly, and are comfortable with your material, rehearse aloud as often as you can.

Step 2.    Public speaking is about the public, not you!                                                                                                                           Most peoples focus on themselves and how fearful they are of speaking in public. Focus instead on your audience.

Ask yourself
1.   Who is my audience
2.   Why are they there?
3    What is relevant to them?
4    What questions are going through their minds

Step 3.    Simple Structuring – The Power of Three                                                                                                                                        If you’re inexperienced at public speaking – start by structuring your message in a simple, clear way:
1.    Divide your talk into three key chunks/points
2.    Make each point relevant, understandable and memorable.
3.    Repeat and Recap

Step 4.    Talk to your audience, not at them!                                                                                                                                           Think of your audience as your friends. Use simple jargon free language in a conversational style.. 

Step 5.    You’ve  gotta keep Breathing! 
Take the time to breathe deep inside your ribcage as opposed to high in the chest. This takes practice but it works. It helps to reduce nerves and gain control . 

Step 6.    The public does not see your fear                                                                                                                                                 You need to think about this as soon as you walk into that room,  be aware of how you walk, how you stand and how you “Own the Space” Slow everything down – think tall, stand tall, walk tall.     

Step 7.    What is your voice saying about you?
Speak slowly and clearly and make every word count! If your voice lacks energy and emotion – your audience will tune out.  Ask yourself – what emotion do you want your audience to feel - Interest? Excitement? Curiosity?  You then need to convey this emotion in your voice.  

……our recent Group Vocal Presence Workshop, which was held in the very attractive surroundings of The Guinness Storehouse was a resounding success!!

Here's what  people thought about the day:

"Olivia was an excellent host and a super professional!"

"Thanks for a lovely day on Saturday, I really enjoyed it!"

"I have already been putting it into practice, with a presentation I gave at an event yesterday, and which went well."

"I will be very happy to recommend your workshops to any clients of mine looking for practical training in presenting".

These one day workshops provide intensive face to face training amongst a small intimate group of people.  With plenty of 1-2-1 feedback.

The very practical training itself is delivered using a combination of theater techniques,  grounded in anatomy and physiology knowledge.

Our last workshop of 2011 will be held on December 3rd

and with the New Year beckoning we can reveal the date for the first workshop in 2012  is set as January 21st.