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Public speaking in confidence help!

14 replies

10152530 · 28/02/2014 22:54

Hi there
I would like to brush up my speaking skills and be able to speak with elocution in public and have the confidence in delivering a speech. Public speaking course came up to my mind but don't know where to find one!
Any other advice is welcomed. Thank you

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woodrunner · 01/03/2014 19:21

Toastmasters is the most well-renowned, afaik. Expensive but worthwhile.

You could also try some acting classes: breathing techniques, elocution and ways to engage with the audience are all covered and are all excellent cross-over skills.

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10152530 · 02/03/2014 06:55

Thank you woodrunner, useful advice, there is a meeting for Toatmaster about 10 mins drive, will definitely try them. X

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worldgonecrazy · 02/03/2014 07:08

If I have to speak in public, I spend a lot of time practising in my kitchen, speaking to the cupboards as if they were the audience. Having confidence in what you are saying, and how you are saying it, gives you two less things to worry about.

If you have somewhere quiet beforehand, a technique called "vibrating" can help give your voice more depth. Basically you go through the vowels, holding each one as long as possible and as deep as possible, as if you were projecting the sound from your belly. You will feel daft doing it but it works.

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10152530 · 04/03/2014 22:15

Thank you worldcrazy, with a 19 months old baby, I am hardly alone:)) but I will try the techniques!
About Toatmasters, what is the age criteria? Can a 10 or 14 year old attend?

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twentyten · 06/03/2014 16:03

I can reccomend an excellent voice coach?she works in the midlands but also by Skype?

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10152530 · 06/03/2014 21:39

Thank you twentyten, would be grateful if you could recommend the voice coach.

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twentyten · 06/03/2014 22:13

Will pm you the link!

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twentyten · 07/03/2014 14:03

Done it!

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10152530 · 08/03/2014 05:58

I got it, thank you x

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TheRoadLessTravelled · 08/03/2014 06:15

Unfortunately you have to be over 18 for toastmasters. And the groups vary a lot. But some of them are really excellent. I highly recommend trying your local one.

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10152530 · 09/03/2014 06:59

Yes, planning to try a session this Wednesday!

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pixiebell79 · 09/03/2014 07:09

Under 18's can't be official members of Toastmasters but clubs have discretion to allow attendance if th

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pixiebell79 · 09/03/2014 07:10

Oops, was trying to say if the circumstances are right!

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10152530 · 09/03/2014 09:51

Ah ok, will ask then. Thank you

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