tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57328046505375245842024-02-20T02:20:23.961+02:00Sagitta Communication and Life SkillsCommunication coach Andrea Williams blogs about public speaking, presentation skills and interpersonal communication from Cape Town, South AfricaAndrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.comBlogger23125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-53146212385831526472013-09-14T13:06:00.001+02:002013-09-14T13:06:34.595+02:00It's been a long time ...Well I can hardly believe it's a few days short of a year since I last posted. In that time I've gained a <span class="st">Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults - CELTA - and since January I've been teaching at the Oxford English Academy in Cape Town, visit our website <a href="http://oxfordenglishacademy.com/schools/cape-town/" target="_blank">here</a>. For now, I'm not coaching privately although I plan to offer this again to a limited number of clients from next year. My old business website at www.learncommunication.co.za has been taken down and no longer exists.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">I'm enjoying the focus on teaching English, although I've certainly been challenged on many levels in the last year. The CELTA itself was pretty grueling, now the daily preparation of lessons and the feeling of being in unfamiliar territory and being stretched to the limits of my teaching abilities on some days is not always easy or comfortable. I've had to dig deeper and look more closely at my role as a teacher, what I want to achieve and what students need from a teacher. I've had the benefit of advice from brilliant teachers on the CELTA and now at the school where I work. I think I'm becoming a better teacher, I hope so.</span><br />
<br />
And<span class="st"> there are other changes afoot besides a new job for
me. We've sold the house we've lived in for the last ten years and will be
moving to Fish Hoek in the next month. New work and a new life at the
seaside! So a new chapter begins just in time for the summer.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st">Thanks everyone for all the page views, I hope you found some information that was helpful. There's more to come. </span>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-21352702656874710092012-09-18T15:23:00.000+02:002012-09-18T15:30:26.706+02:00Paired words can make learning English pronunciation easier<style>
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</style>I'm not a provider of "neutral global accent" training as called for by the international call centre industry. The intention of this post is to offer assistance to South Africans who are speakers of languages other than English and who are looking for help in pronouncing certain South-African English sounds which are known to be challenging.<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b><br />
<br />
<h4>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB"> </span></b></h4>
<h4>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB">PRONUNCIATION OF ENGLISH VOWEL SOUNDS (MONOPHTHONGS): pair the sound you know with the sound you don't know</span></b></h4>
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<br />
<span lang="EN-GB">People who have worked with me will immediately recognise this exercise as a favourite of mine. Those pesky English long monophthongs will be tamed by the simple pairing of the sound you know: the SHORT one, with the sound you don't know: the LONG one. Speaking words in pairs in this way helps the speaker to differentiate sounds, it's easier to hear and feel the similarities and differences.</span></div>
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<h4>
Speak the word containing the short vowel sound followed by the word containing the long vowel sound. You can slightly exaggerate the length of the long vowel sound in the second word if this helps you. Of course you would not exaggerate it in an unnatural way in everyday speech, but only for this exercise.</h4>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><b>SHORT</b></td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><b>LONG</b></td>
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<br /></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">ship</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">sheep</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">hill</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">heel</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">lip</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">leap</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">cat</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">curt</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">hat</span></div>
</td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">hurt</span></div>
</td>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">hut</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">heart</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">cut</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">cart</span></div>
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<tr style="mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">bid</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">bead</span></div>
</td>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">bit</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">beat</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">live (to live)</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">leave</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">sit</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">seat</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">wedding</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">wording</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">cot</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">caught</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">of</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-GB">off</span></div>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><br /></td>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><br /></td>
<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 211.85pt;" valign="top" width="212"><br /></td>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><br /></td>
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<td style="padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 216.55pt;" valign="top" width="217"><br /></td>
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Practise these paired words as often as you like. Add new pairs that occur to you.<br />
Practising at least twice a day will usually improve your pronunciation of these vowel sounds in as few as ten days.<br />
<br />
As always, if you'd like to find out more about how I can help you or if you'd like to contact me, you can do so from <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">my website.</a></div>
Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-20442187905347678432012-08-25T15:50:00.001+02:002012-08-25T15:53:36.756+02:00Three favourite talks from TEDChallenging topics presented with humour and empathy, delivered with confidence and warmth in expressive interesting voices.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/isabel_allende_tells_tales_of_passion.html" target="_blank">Isabel Allende: Tales of Passion</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/david_kelley_how_to_build_your_creative_confidence.html" target="_blank">David Kelley:How to Build your Creative Confidence</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/margaret_heffernan_dare_to_disagree.html" target="_blank">Margaret Hefferman: Dare to disagree</a><br />
<br />
Hope you are inspired by these talks.<br />
<br />
For voice, speech and public speaking coaching you can get in touch with me through my <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">website</a>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-29129211202269488952012-07-27T08:41:00.001+02:002012-07-27T08:41:36.641+02:003 Ways to improve your Sound<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
I was yesterday asked, "What can I do to improve my voice and speech in time for my presentation next week?" I have three suggestions. You can decide which exercise to go for depending on which aspect you want to improve. If in doubt, practise all three.</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
You absolutely should start with the breathing and vocalising as described in <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/04/warm-up-your-voice-part-1-breathing.html" target="_blank">Warm up your Voice: Part 1</a> and <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/06/warm-up-your-voice-part-2-voice-and.html" target="_blank">Part 2</a> . You can then add one or more of the following exercises:</div>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><b>Is your voice weak, soft, breathy or tending to fade before your thought is completely voiced? </b>You need to co-ordinate thinking, breathing and speaking by practising this counting exercise:<br /><br />Imagine yourself simply and calmly saying the word ONE, then inhale and speak “ONE”<br />Imagine yourself saying the words, then inhale, speak “ONE TWO” on one breath<br />Imagine, inhale, speak “ONE TWO THREE” on one breath<br />Continue adding the word for one more number at a time. Practise once or twice a day until you are comfortable speaking each of the numbers from one to ten calmly and clearly on one breath. If it helps you, you can choose an object in the space about two metres away from you and project your words to this object.</li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><b>Is your articulation of consonant sounds slow or imprecise?</b> You need to practise these sentences to reduce mumbling and gain crisp articulation. Allow your lips, teeth and tongue to move freely to form the sounds, keep your jaw relaxed. Don’t strain or shout, the pace is steady and careful. These sentences have proved to be really helpful for improving confidence and competence in articulating English if that is what you need.<br /><br />Pass the pens and pencils please<br /><br />A packet of mixed biscuits<br /><br />Packing prickly pickles poses problems<br /><br />She sells sea shells on the sea shore<br /><br />Six times six is thirty six<br /><br />Bring me some coffee in a proper copper coffee pot<br /><br />What a lot of little bottles<br /><br />Quick! Quick! Quick! Bring the twins a drink!<br /><br />Red leather [lorry] [lolly], yellow leather [lorry] [lolly] <br /><br />Fred refused to view his defeat as final<br /><br />Leave the lazy lion alone<br /><br />The pilot landed the plane safely </li>
</ul>
<ul style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><b>Are you unused to hearing and feeling your own voice as you speak? </b>Simply practise humming, "HUMMMMMMM". With a relaxed throat and shoulders, and without strain, try humming more softly, more loudly by using more volume of air, sending your sound further, then nearer, humming at a higher pitch, at a lower pitch. In other words, playing with your sound. This will also help you sound more audible, expressive and interesting.</li>
</ul>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Good luck with your next presentation or speech</div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
Andrea</div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
To make an appointment for voice coaching or to book a workshop please go to <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">my website</a> </div>
<ul>
</ul>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-57337850706963658442012-06-14T18:28:00.000+02:002012-06-14T18:38:00.453+02:00WINTER SPECIAL OFFER!<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="49011">COMMUNICATION SKILLS AND VOICE COACHING SPECIAL OFFER</span></div>
<br />
<span id="49011">Once again I'm offering my fantastic <b>WINTER SPECIAL!</b> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="49011">During June, July and August 2012 you get this amazing deal: <b>for every two private lessons you pay for, you get a third lesson free</b>. <b>YES, FREE!</b> <br />
<br />
What does this mean? It means that you could benefit from <b>three sessions
for the price of two</b> or <b>six for the price of four </b>and so on. It means that the
expert coaching you thought would be way too expensive right now is
actually affordable.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="49011">Of course, as I'm based in Cape Town you need to be here too.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span id="49011">Contact me <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
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<span id="49011"><br /></span>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-80917207025290515762012-05-10T15:48:00.001+02:002012-05-21T17:49:48.615+02:00Does your Mother have a Garden?I'm working in my garden today, autumn work for the waning moon: pruning, clearing, making space for the resting time to come and place for the new growth when it's due.<br />
<br />
As well as that it's Mothers' Day in South Africa this Sunday so I was thinking about that as I worked.<br />
<br />
I thought that I'd like to ask you something: does your mother have a garden?<br />
<br />
It might be a food garden or a garden for the spirit. It might be large or be two pots outside the door. Whatever. Look carefully there, in her garden. It might reveal some things to you, you might be able to see her more clearly. You might see revealed some of what she has lavished upon you.<br />
<br />
What might you see? Her creativity, her vision. Her hopefulness, her perseverance. Her planning, her carrying out her plans. Her acceptance of what cannot be, her idea of what could be, her working with what she has. Her making meaning, her working with not against, her putting food on the table. Her tenderness, her nurturing, her patience. Her bitter disappointments, her ruthlessness, the defeats which could have crushed her. Her delight. Her refusal to back down, her time given unstintingly. Her joyfulness, her heart ... who knows what you might see manifested in your mother's garden. <br />
<br />
So does your mother keep a garden? Go on, you might be with her this weekend, take a look at her garden. I hope it'll remind you of good things which might otherwise be forgotten.<br />
<br />
Happy Mothers' Day!Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-77310616773301276432012-05-09T15:16:00.001+02:002012-05-09T15:16:58.973+02:00The Eloquent Woman: How Rush Limbaugh is helping me celebrate Women's History Month<a href="http://eloquentwoman.blogspot.com/2012/03/how-rush-limbaugh-is-helping-me.html">The Eloquent Woman: How Rush Limbaugh is helping me celebrate Women's History Month</a>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-14756406802438970952012-04-23T09:57:00.001+02:002012-04-23T10:00:27.786+02:00Top Ten Slide Tips from Garr Reynolds/Presentations<h4>
Simply the best advice on how to present your information using slides. I share it with all my clients who are seeking to add that final polish and make their presentations outstanding. </h4>
<h4>
</h4>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.garrreynolds.com/Presentation/slides.html">Top Ten Slide Tips Garr Reynolds/Presentations</a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Good luck with your presentation!</div>
<br />
Need help? You can go to my website <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">here</a> to book an appointment for expert coaching in Cape Town.Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-45626669664242323552012-04-03T10:51:00.000+02:002012-04-03T14:24:03.472+02:0021 Reasons why working with a communication and voice coach might just be the greatest gift you give yourself in 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ol style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">
<li><span style="font-size: small;">better voice projection lets you sound more confident </span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">improved posture and physical poise lets you look confident too</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">an expressive and well-modulated voice is interesting, engaging, attractive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">'as we breathe so we think', if your breathing is more relaxed and more controlled so are you</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you improve your ability to articulate ideas, explain your thinking</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">this in turn enables you to be more persuasive and more influential</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">your self-confidence improves</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">your self-esteem rises</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you can speak up and speak out instead of remaining silent</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">so you find it easier to be more assertive</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you contribute more socially, professionally and in your community</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you communicate better in meetings</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you communicate better at home</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you communicate better in presentations and speeches</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you speak better even when unprepared</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you develop deeper awareness of yourself in relation to others</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">this leads you to listen more and with greater empathy</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you find out how to be heard more clearly</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">awareness of how you communicate with yourself lets you develop more positive and encouraging self-talk</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;">you learn how to deal with, and express more usefully, anger, resentment, frustration</span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: small;"><b>you enjoy yourself more and gain more joy from your relationships!</b></span></li>
</ol>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">These are just some of the ways communication coaching can help you</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"> ... in the meantime: good luck with your next presentation!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Andrea </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">To make an appointment for coaching or to book a place on a workshop go to</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">my website</a></span></div>
</div>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0Cape Town, South Africa-33.9248685 18.4240553-34.346497500000005 17.7923413 -33.5032395 19.055769299999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-90026789147245564242012-02-28T18:13:00.000+02:002012-02-28T18:13:13.128+02:00Wedding Speech Structure and Etiquette<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaJ3y3bF9SaFNRkoC36_IxkABCXqnxJTIxliej68WyeJLjqffMTXl1kgr-IYth-lPu8pSaW3QJgup8BVvgyiQJiCyiC4miEtxLAFqvUgP0nG3mZXk_L00cSzY9ldRUE-W_BXxsukfwkrf/s1600/dreamstime_10934113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaaJ3y3bF9SaFNRkoC36_IxkABCXqnxJTIxliej68WyeJLjqffMTXl1kgr-IYth-lPu8pSaW3QJgup8BVvgyiQJiCyiC4miEtxLAFqvUgP0nG3mZXk_L00cSzY9ldRUE-W_BXxsukfwkrf/s320/dreamstime_10934113.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
If you are participating in a rather formal western-style wedding and have to make a speech you might be wondering exactly what you're expected to say! This article gives you the basics and is helpful in making sure you do and say the right thing. I find it handy, follow the link!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.presentationmagazine.com/wedding-speech-structure-and-etiquette-6866.htm" target="_blank">WEDDING SPEECHES: WHO SHOULD SAY WHAT?</a></div>
<br />
Good luck with your speech!Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0Cape Town, South Africa-33.9248685 18.4240553-34.346497500000005 17.7923413 -33.5032395 19.055769299999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-75462660933078693362012-01-10T18:09:00.001+02:002012-02-20T16:48:33.095+02:00These 5 TED speakers inspired me in 2011, I hope they'll do the same for you in 2012This collection of five presentations showcases a variety of speakers and skills. I have used most of them as teaching examples for my clients, Monika Bulaj's presentation is a new addition to my collection. I hope you'll find them helpful as you seek out and develop your own special gifts as a speaker.<br />
<br />
Some are experienced and skilled speakers, like Eve Ensler and Jane Fonda. Eve Ensler shows us just how powerful it is to evoke emotions through language, metaphor and specific examples. Jane Fonda shows us how to convey new ideas confidently and articulately.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/eve_ensler.html" target="_blank">Eve Ensler: Suddenly, my body</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jane_fonda_life_s_third_act.html" target="_blank">Jane Fonda: Life's third act</a><br />
<br />
Monika Bulaj's short talk moves and influences us while showing us that the fact that
English is not her first language cannot detract from her compelling
words and images.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/monika_bulaj_the_hidden_light_of_afghanistan.html" target="_blank">Monika Bulaj: The Hidden Light of Afghanistan</a><br />
<br />
Here Kevin Slavin puts paid to the notion that "technical" presentations can't
help but be dry as dust, factual and lifeless, appealing only to
experts in their particular field. Note especially the visual impact and
simplicity of his slides.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/kevin_slavin_how_algorithms_shape_our_world.html" target="_blank">Kevin Slavin: How algorithms shape our world</a><br />
<br />
Cartoonist Liza Donelly entrances with her cartoons. More than that, she shows us how someone who might not usually verbalize her point of view can find her voice and be interesting and articulate. As well as how she says it, women especially might take note of what she says. Developing physical presence, occupying the space in which you find yourself, are aspects so important for speakers. Only about 18 minutes long, worth taking the time to make yourself comfortable, watch and listen to the wisdom of Liza Donnelly.<br />
<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/DKdvdNU7AmU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
I hope these presentations from 2011 will encourage and inspire you in 2012.<br />
<br />
Best wishes for the New Year and good luck with your next presentation!Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-77990521956130218792011-11-14T18:18:00.001+02:002012-04-04T22:35:39.216+02:00Encouraging, life-enhancing, useful self-talk<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <b>How vital it is to ensure that our self-talk is healthy and is moving us towards wholeness</b></span><b>.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">The work I'm presently doing with a client is once again strongly reminding me of this. Again and again negative self-talk comes up in my teaching. Again and again it arises in my own life. Again and again I teach and learn how we can face our self-loathing and hear our inner voice speaking to us of our hopelessness and unlovability. Again and again I am amazed at how we can transform our experience </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">by transforming our self-talk.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">This particular client is frequently faced with a task which she believes she cannot hope to complete successfully. It involves speaking out in a professional situation in a language which she believes she speaks incompetently.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> I asked her to identify her self-talk after a recent work meeting during which she delivered a report. When she realised that the only thing she told herself afterwards was, "That wasn't good enough.", </span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">she was filled with sadnes</span><span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">s. My client at once understood how this self-talk made her disheartened and afraid, how it drained her of confidence. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She also gained insight into just how important it was to her to be "good enough" and how much fear and anxiety she could generate around these feelings.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So now together we realised how negative, stale and even laughable her self-talk has been.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">And now together we have arrived at some new self-talk for her. Statements which are encouraging, useful and truthful for her now.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">"That wasn't good enough" becomes <b>"That was good enough for now"</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Her list "I'm not ... " becomes a summary of positive qualities and skills </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>"I am ... "</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Instead of highlighting incompetence in her speaking skills by saying "I'm bad at ..." she identifies strengths and tells herself</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <b>"I'm good at ... "</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">She enhances her transformation by telling herself how she is changing:</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> <b>"Day by day I am becoming more ..."</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">So I encourage you to identify your self-talk and then to shed that which is old, stale, useless.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Be kind to yourself and tell yourself what you long to know: that you are, above all else, completely lovable; wholly worthy of being loved and loving.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">I find this affirmation to be useful and life-enhancing, it's from Margaret Fourie's book "TALK' (Metz Press, 2007) </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"><b>"I am competent, confident and worth loving" </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">Indeed you are and good luck with your presentation!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;">For more about me and the communication coaching I offer go to my <a href="http://www.learncommunication.co.za/" target="_blank">website </a></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana,sans-serif;"> </span>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-49878080875537391992011-10-31T17:55:00.002+02:002011-11-01T12:59:01.865+02:00Some inspiration and encouragement, enjoy!<div style="color: black;">
Feeling low? Down at heart? In need of some encouragement and inspiration?Be heartened by the fulfilment that others have found and know that it's possible for you to tap into this in your own life in your own small corner of the world, however this may be, wherever you may be, whoever you may be. </div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br />
Follow the link to a brief uplifting reminder of how others have succeeded in spite of obstacles<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<a href="http://www.flickspire.com/m/iaaw/FailToSucceed">Inspiration and Encouragement </a></div>
<div style="color: black;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-47738373604570562092011-08-29T10:02:00.001+02:002011-08-29T16:01:34.848+02:00Latest rates September 2011<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">One of the first questions most of us need to ask about coaching and learning programmes is, "How much will it cost me?" My clients are sometimes surprised at how affordable my rates are, someone recently described my prices as "too cheap". That may be so for some, but I aim to remain affordable for ordinary Capetonians who want to improve their lives and perhaps their working prospects.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"> <b>My latest basic rates as from 1 September </b></span></span><b>2011: </b><br />
<br />
<b>Communication coaching (one-on-one) R190,00/hour</b><br />
<br />
These sessions are full of possibilities. They can be about anything and everything to do with communication. We may include confidence, self-esteem, understanding personalities, voice and speech skills, public speaking, business presentations, interpersonal communication, social anxieties, social skills, customer interactions and other related material which will help you.<br />
<br />
<b>EFT R160,00/session or R900,00 for 6 sessions.</b> The length of an EFT session is between one and two hours.<br />
<br />
Group workshops and group learning programmes are priced according to content and timing. We start with an assessment for you or your business and employees, so contact me to get started.Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-8334095959671562552011-07-28T17:35:00.003+02:002011-08-04T14:42:12.014+02:00Be more coherent using Linking Words and PhrasesAlong with confidence and credibility, coherence is a quality the audience looks for in a speaker and in their presentation. The Concise Oxford dictionary says that the adjective "coherent" describing a speech means that it is "logical and consistent; easily followed". Language provides us with many devices we can use to show how our ideas are connected so that our thinking is easily followed. In my experience, however, these devices are not always readily available to us when we are speaking our second or third language. <br />
<br />
During the past couple of weeks I've been working with a client who, like most English speakers, did not have English as his mother tongue. We had noted that his presentations sometimes lacked coherence even though his thinking was logical and were working together to improve this. I was reminded of how valuable it is to show how ideas are connected, in other words to <b>show our thinking</b>.<br />
<br />
My client achieved great results simply by <b>using linking words and phrases to show how his ideas were connected </b>and point to his thinking. At once his seemingly disconnected and random points hung together like beads on a thread. The flow of his speaking became easier as well and he was able to speak more comfortably without referring to his notes as often as he had been. <br />
<br />
Whether or not you are a first language English speaker you might find it helpful to use more of these words and phrases to connect your ideas and show the logical structure of your presentation. Of course, you can use them in your writing too.<br />
<br />
Beware! Using a few linking words here and there is not a magic cure-all for poor thinking, inadequate research and lack of planning and certainly won't make a brilliant presentation out of a few random bullet points. However, especially if English is not your first choice of language to speak in then these words and phrases may be helpful to you.<br />
<br />
<b>SOME EXAMPLES OF LINKING PHRASES AND WORDS</b><br />
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<b>To extend the idea</b>: further; furthermore; in addition; as well as this; firstly . . . secondly<br />
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<b>To state the idea again in another way</b>: that is; in other words<br />
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<b>To show contrast in ideas or to note exceptions</b>: however; on the other hand; nevertheless; unless; either . . . or; neither . . . nor<br />
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<b>To explain a cause or reason</b>: because; for this reason; owing to; for this/ these reason/s<br />
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<b>To show results</b>: as a result; for this/these reason/s; consequently<br />
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<b>To introduce an illustration</b>: for example; for instance; this can be seen in; as shown in; as shown by<br />
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<b>To introduce a similar idea</b>: this is similar to; similarly; in the same way; also; not only . . . but also<br />
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<b>To reach a conclusion</b>: therefore; thus; finally; in conclusion; to summarise; to sum up; from this we may conclude that ...<br />
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<b>To join one section to the nex</b>t: "Having covered ... I'm now moving on to discuss ..."; "This brings me to ..."; "That brings us to ..."<br />
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If you'd like more clarity on using words to show logical thinking you might like to <a href="http://www.phon.ucl.ac.uk/home/dick/tta/connectives/connectives.htm">browse this article.</a>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-9839178718117223232011-07-09T09:33:00.002+02:002011-07-12T14:55:15.735+02:00Presentation Basics: Step-by-Step Preparation for Beginners<div style="color: black; text-align: center;"><b>BASIC CHECKLIST FOR PREPARING A PRESENTATION</b></div><br />
Roughly note all your ideas on paper, mind-mapping is a useful technique to use.<br />
<br />
Gain understanding of your audience, their needs and expectations.<br />
<a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011_02_01_archive.html">Know your audience, their needs and expectations</a> <br />
<br />
Establish your specific purpose, turn it into a statement, write it down: 'My purpose is to ...' Ask yourself: “What do I want my audience to think and do as a result of listening to my speech?”<br />
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From your rough ideas, select the main ideas your audience will need to hear if you are to achieve your stated purpose. It is usual for a successful presentation to have between three and five main points.<br />
<br />
Plan your introduction:<br />
<ul><li>Clearly state your purpose</li>
<li>Give background to your main topic</li>
<li>Give an overview of your presentation</li>
</ul>Plan your conclusion:<br />
<ul><li>Clearly connect your conclusion to your purpose</li>
<li>Briefly reinforce your main points</li>
</ul>Prepare the body:<br />
<ul><li>Use a set structure that gives logical flow and coherence</li>
<li>Clearly state your main points, make sure they are connected to your purpose</li>
<li>Support and explain main points with examples, statistics, research findings, charts, graphs, photos, references etc</li>
<li>Clearly connect your main points as well as ideas within main points to ensure coherence</li>
<li>Integrate relevant visual aids into the body</li>
</ul>Practise and adjust your presentation until you are comfortable with it and timing is correct<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Good luck with your presentation!</div>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-24766357187623005662011-06-24T17:44:00.005+02:002011-06-28T10:10:42.686+02:00Warm Up your Voice Part 2: Voice and Body<span style="font-size: medium;">This is part two of the second of my <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-ten-public-speaking-basics.html">Top Ten Public Speaking Basics </a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">Again I should say that in my experience it is preferable to work with a qualified voice teacher if you want to develop the full potential of your voice. The purpose of this article is not to give some "quick-fix" voice exercises to try once on your own to little effect, but rather to offer some <b>guidance on warming up your voice in preparation for your next presentation or speech</b>.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;">If you haven't already done so you can start with <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/04/warm-up-your-voice-part-1-breathing.html">Warm Up your Voice Part 1: Breathing</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">After the breathing warm-up ...</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Warm up your body</span></span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">free shoulders</span></span><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">with gentle shrugs up to ears and then relax</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">clench hands into fists, relax and gently shake out</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">gently shake out each leg and then your arms</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">give yourself a good upward stretch, arms above head, relax </span></span></li>
</ul><b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Improve your posture </span></span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Have feet about hip-distance apart, distribute weight evenly over ball and heel of each foot. If you are comfortable doing so, you can try going down onto your haunches, resting there for a moment and then rising smoothly upwards into standing without altering the distribution of weight on your feet. This can give a good sense of rootedness through the feet into the floor.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Now lightly smooth down your lower back and buttocks with your hands, this allows you to slightly tuck in your pelvis without tensing your buttocks.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"> Now you can gently, lightly lengthen your spine upwards as it rises from your tail bone up through to your neck. Keep shoulders relaxed and falling away from your ears; chest relaxed, softened and open. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">If you were now to look at your self sideways in a full-length mirror you'd see your shoulder in line with your hip and your hip in line with the middle of your foot.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">Face and jaw</span></span></b><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">stretch mouth open as wide as you can, hold for count of five, release. Repeat.</span></span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">make exaggerated chewing movements using your whole mouth, tongue, lips as if chewing the biggest wad of gum ever!</span></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Voice </b></span></span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">yawn</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">voice on one breath, taken without strain: 'AH'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">voice on one breath, taken without strain: 'HUMMMMMMM'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">repeat on one breath, as above: 'LA LA LA LA LA'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">repeat on one breath, as above: 'ME MAH MAY MORE, ME MAH MAY MORE'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">say 'Bring me some coffee in a proper copper coffee pot'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">say 'She sells sea shell on the sea shore'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">say 'A packet of mixed biscuits'</span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;">say 'Quick, quick, quick! Bring the twins a drink!'</span></span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: small;"><b>Back to breathing</b></span></span><br />
<ul><li>Breathe out fully without force</li>
</ul><ul><li>Wait till you feel the need to inhale, as your ribs spring apart inhale through your nose</li>
</ul><ul><li>As you inhale allow your back to relax, note how your lower ribs float apart as your diaphragm contracts and moves downwards. Pay particular attention to the swing of the back ribs as you relax your back.</li>
</ul><ul><li>As exhalation happens, let the air move out of your mouth, note how your ribcage moves simultaneously downwards and inwards and how your abdominal muscles slightly engage as the last of the air moves out of your body</li>
</ul><ul><li>Continue breathing easily and comfortably in this way for five breaths.</li>
</ul><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">You are now warmed up and READY TO GO!!!</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;">Good luck with your presentation. </span></b> </div>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-17958949756658498672011-04-18T17:10:00.004+02:002011-06-30T15:19:11.384+02:00Should you use pictures to enhance your presentation?I'm often asked for help in preparing slides for presentations. My advice is always to make them more VISUAL, that is: use pictures, photos, graphics, tables, charts.<br />
<br />
Why? Because audiences understand more and retain more information received as visual than they do information received as text or as spoken word. Hearing and reading are less effective than SEEING. The combination of SEEING a photo and HEARING the speaker talk about it has greater impact than for example hearing the speaker say words while reading the same words in, for example, a bullet point.<br />
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Check out 'My Favourite Web Resources'Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-77922038208618804212011-04-12T18:43:00.001+02:002011-06-24T16:29:35.075+02:00Warm Up your Voice Part 1: Breathing<span style="font-size: large;">This is part one of the second of my <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-ten-public-speaking-basics.html">Top Ten Public Speaking Basics</a></span><br />
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<div style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">In my experience it is preferable to work with a qualified voice teacher if you want to develop the full potential of your voice. So the purpose of this article is not to give some "quick-fix" voice exercises to try once on your own to little effect, but rather to offer some <b>guidance on warming up your voice in preparation for your next presentation or speech</b>.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: large;">All credit and honour is given to the brilliant voice coach Stewart Pearce whose teaching in his book <i>"The Alchemy of Voice"</i> (Hodder & Stoughton, 2005) has profoundly influenced my teaching in the past few years.</span></span></div><br />
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<b>BREATHING</b><br />
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This section benefits from some introduction before getting to the practical routine. You can read on or scroll straight to the warm-up practice: <b>THE BREATHING WARM-UP.</b> <br />
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<b>INTRODUCTION TO BREATHING</b><br />
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There are various breathing techniques and much information about breathing out there. I suggest you let go of all the various techniques you might have learnt and all the conflicting advice you may have received and focus more on the naturalness and ease of breathing to speak as you prepare for your presentation.<br />
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The rhythm of breathing to speak is set by the rhythm of thinking as well as by what is needed for sustaining your biological functioning. To explain this more fully: we think an idea or concept, choose words to express it, voice it, pause and move on to the next thought we want to voice. Effectively we speak in groups of words which express separate thoughts. As well as talking we may be sitting, standing, walking or running. Other activities of the body influence our breathing and usually take priority.<br />
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We learn to coordinate our breathing with our feeling, thinking and voicing so well that we are mostly unaware of it. In everyday talking we learn to take a big breath to express a big thought and usually only run out of air when the feeling and thought are too big for the inhalation we have taken.<br />
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We've all had this experience in animated conversation: you think a powerful idea, draw breath to express it, get interrupted before you can voice it and find yourself with a huge lungful of unneeded air. You then have to hold this air until there's a gap for you to talk into or let the air out more or less audibly.<br />
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Note that due to the different requirements for breathing for speech we may sometimes inhale through the mouth when talking. Breathing through the nose is of course preferable as the nasal passages filter, warm and moisten the air we inhale.<br />
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Because feeling, thinking, speaking and breathing are so interconnected the process can easily become uncoordinated. Some causes of compromised breathing and speaking are that we:<br />
<ul><li> are not speaking what we are thinking</li>
<li>are speaking someone else's thoughts</li>
<li>have become self-conscious and disconnected</li>
<li>are reading or reciting without thinking about the words</li>
</ul><br />
Some results of uncoordinated thinking, breathing and voicing are:<br />
<ul><li>the voice fading or falling away before the thought is completely voiced</li>
<li>weakness, softness, thinness of tone</li>
<li>strained, harsh quality as speaker strives for volume (loudness) without adequate air</li>
<li>breathiness as air is released without being used to create sound</li>
<li>running out of air, gasping </li>
</ul><br />
<b>MECHANISM OF BREATHING</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.speech-therapy-information-and-resources.com/breathing-mechanism.html">Explanation of what happens when we breathe</a><br />
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The diaphragm is a convex sheet of muscle which fits up against the lower surface of your lungs. It separates your thorax from your abdominal cavity. Underneath the diaphragm on the left is your stomach and on the right your liver. The diaphragm is attached to your sternum, to the lower part of your ribs front and sides, and to your spinal column at the back. When relaxed it lies under your ribcage something like an open parachute.<br />
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When you inhale the ribcage lifts upwards and expands sideways and the diaphragm contracts and flattens. As the diaphragm moves downwards you can easily feel the relatively slight expansion of the upper abdomen just under the ribs in the front. Exhalation is usually passive, however when we need to force it we contract the walls of the abdomen to push the diaphragm back. Normally you would feel a slight engagement of the upper abdominal muscles as you exhale.<br />
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For our purposes when we practise breathing we focus on feeling the lower ribs, particularly the back ribs, swinging upwards and outwards as the external intercostal muscles contract. This expansion and lift activates the diaphragm and the breathing flows naturally from there.<br />
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<a href="http://www.massagetherapy.com/articles/index.php/article_id/515/Cups-and-Domes">If you want to know a little more about the anatomy involved this article gives an easily understandable overview</a><br />
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<b>THE BREATHING WARM-UP</b><br />
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In our short warm-up breathing practice we are aiming at breathing more deeply and fully to support a flexible and expressive voice. We use simple thoracic breathing, in other words: get your ribcage active!<br />
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<div style="color: red;"><i>Please note:</i></div><ul style="color: red;"><li><i>NO FORCING IS NECESSARY: forcing the diaphragm deeply down into the abdomen disregards the structure of your body and can compromise the pericardium and the pelvic floor</i></li>
<li><i>WE ARE <b>NOT</b> VISUALISING THAT WE ARE "BREATHING INTO THE ABDOMEN" OR "BREATHING INTO THE PELVIS" </i></li>
</ul><ul><li>Stand relaxed, legs and feet rooted down into the ground and body lightly lifted up through the spine, shoulders relaxed and falling away from the ears, chin neither tucked nor jutting forwards, knees not locked, thighs not squeezed, buttocks not clenched</li>
</ul><ul><li>Breathe out fully without force</li>
</ul><ul><li>Wait till you feel the need to inhale, as your ribs spring apart inhale through your nose</li>
</ul><ul><li>As you inhale allow your back to relax, note how your lower ribs float apart as your diaphragm contracts and moves downwards. Pay particular attention to the swing of the back ribs as you relax your back.</li>
</ul><ul><li>As exhalation happens, let the air move out of your mouth, note how your ribcage moves simultaneously downwards and inwards and how your abdominal muscles slightly engage as the last of the air moves out of your body</li>
</ul><ul><li>Continue breathing easily and comfortably in this way for five breaths, breathing in through your nose for four counts, pausing for four counts, breathing out through your mouth for four counts, pausing for four counts. Each successive breath in this warm-up practice should leave you feeling more calm, more in control, more steady.</li>
</ul><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>End of Warm Up your Voice Part 1: Breathing</b></span><br />
Part 2 to follow ...<br />
<ul></ul>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-54576735560313760622011-02-22T14:29:00.015+02:002011-02-22T16:16:40.782+02:00Know your audience, their needs and expectations<span style=";font-family:times new roman;font-size:130%;" >The first of my <a href="http://andrea-sagitta.blogspot.com/2011/01/my-top-ten-public-speaking-basics.html">Top Ten Public Speaking Basics</a><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span>Helpful things you should know about your audience:<br /><ol><li>How many?</li><li>What are their positions or occupations?</li><li>What is their background?</li><li>What is their gender?</li><li>What is their age?</li></ol> More things you should know about your audience:<br /><ul><li>Are they experts in the subject?</li><li>How much do you need to tell them in order to achieve your objective?</li><li>What is their attitude to you and your subject?</li><li>What is their previous experience of your topic and how might this influence their attitude?</li></ul>You should establish:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Why your audience is there:</span> voluntarily? no choice? they invited you?<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What they are expecting: </span>to be informed? to be entertained? Beware of assuming that your objective and the audience's expectations are the same. You should make your message relevant to them.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">What they need:</span> e.g. if their immediate need is to cut costs they'll have a hard time hearing a message about how increasing expenditure in the short term will eventually save money.<br /><br />My favourite and most useful <span style="font-weight: bold;">general workplace needs</span> come from Cristina Stuart of Speakeasy Training<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:times new roman;">.<br /></span></span></span><br />For <span style="font-weight: bold;">management</span>:<br /><ul><li>Saving money</li><li>Increasing productivity</li><li>Saving time</li><li>Improving quality</li></ul>For <span style="font-weight: bold;">staff</span>:<br /><ul><li>Making more money</li><li>Being recognised for what they do</li><li>Job security</li><li>Job satisfaction</li><li>Career advancement</li></ul>In a business context you'll find that if you can meet these needs it is easier to achieve the objective of your presentation. You'll probably be able to identify other needs for your particular audience.<br /><br />I use aspects of <a href="https://www.cnvc.org/">NVC or Nonviolent Communication</a> in my work. For this reason I ask speakers to think about how their speech or presentation contributes to fulfilling more universal human needs. For example, paying attention to the need for autonomy helps us to avoid sounding dictatorial or assuming that everyone's values are the same as ours. Our ability to empathise and listen helps us to align our objectives with those of the audience.<br /><br />Some <span style="font-weight: bold;">basic needs</span> you can bear in mind:<br /><ul><li>Autonomy</li><li>Celebration<br /></li><li>Integrity</li><li>Interdependence</li><li>Physical nurturance</li><li>Play</li><li>Spiritual communion</li></ul><ol><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Autonomy</span>: choosing dreams, goals, values; choosing plans for fulfilling these</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Celebration</span>: celebrating life affirming events; celebrating losses of loved ones, dreams etc</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Integrity</span>: authenticity, creativity, meaning, self-worth</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Interdependence</span>: acceptance, appreciation, closeness, community, consideration, contribution to the enrichment of life, emotional safety, empathy, empowering honesty which enables us to learn, love, reassurance, respect, support, trust, understanding<br /></li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Physical</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">nurturance</span>: air, food, water, movement, protection from life-threatening forms of life, rest, shelter, sexual expression, touch</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Play</span>: fun, laughter</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spiritual</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">communion</span>: beauty, harmony, inspiration, order, peace</li></ol>Being mindful of both particular and general needs will undoubtedly help you deliver a presentation or speech that is relevant and meaningful to your audience.<br /><br />Good luck!Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-57495719563788276552011-01-20T12:06:00.003+02:002011-01-20T12:39:33.898+02:00My Top Ten Public Speaking Basics<ol><li><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3XqS5JrCad0jfOJtfvbAiwrvU9O6gtMdZQReTeeN-7zvqnQISAcMAOCoUCTN441dV-3jcjjgNTnqyu0WeLujZFITsdbarGGgnA5K7tQguFB0sIE8KGGtksQ2oSklKEFd1uy7M47uKQQd/s1600/dreamstime_12054271.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 139px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3XqS5JrCad0jfOJtfvbAiwrvU9O6gtMdZQReTeeN-7zvqnQISAcMAOCoUCTN441dV-3jcjjgNTnqyu0WeLujZFITsdbarGGgnA5K7tQguFB0sIE8KGGtksQ2oSklKEFd1uy7M47uKQQd/s200/dreamstime_12054271.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564214973559396546" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:130%;">Know your audience, their needs and expectations</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Check out the venue in advance</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Warm up your voice</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Relax and smile</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Have a specific purpose and stick to it<br /></span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Start well</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Structure your presentation or speech</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Connect your ideas</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">Tell stories, paint pictures</span></li><li><span style="font-size:130%;">End well</span></li></ol>I'll be sharing some guidance on each of these ten tips in the coming weeks.Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-23375096992660410732010-09-14T14:28:00.009+02:002010-09-15T16:41:24.533+02:00Sagitta Communication & Life Skills: new ratesMy basic rates as of September 2010:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One-on-one coaching</span><br /><br />R180,00/hour or R650 for four sessions<br /><br />One-on-one private learning programmes:<br /><br />8 hours "Confident Public Speaking": R1200,00<br />8 hours "Confident Interpersonal Communication": R1200,00<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Group learning</span><br /><br />Start at R650,00 pp/pd for one-, two- or three-day programmes. Highly negotiable, e.g. recently held a communication skills workshop for the Women on Farms Project, venue supplied by them, for only R500,00 pp for two full days. Two-day entry level "Communication in Customer Service" workshops start at R650,00 pp for two full days.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">One-day (10h00 - 17h30) Presentation Skills Workshops R450,00 pp</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><br />Next workshop will take take place in October or early November, date to be announced. Please contact me if you'd like to book a place.<br />---------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br />Spring is here in the Western Cape. I've been hard at work in the garden cleaning up after the winter, feeding, composting and mulching ready for the long hot windy summer. Rewarding work, good to get back in touch with my garden. Today there's a north-wester coming up as a cold front moves through. Hoping for some rain as it's been quite a dry winter. When the front has moved off later in the week will complete the last section feeding and mulching.<br /><br />Last week lost two of my dear goldfish to a beautiful grey heron. If it's the same one, she fishes our pond about once a year, dignified and silent. I don't begrudge her the food, almost all wetlands around here are gone now. Sad though for my big Goldie who survived a previous attack only to have it happen again and this time not so lucky. Of course it happened on a beautiful morning when I decided to leave the net off so they could enjoy a spring frolic. They seem to go still when the pond is covered. Decided to leave net off until about 10h30, went to work in the front garden, came back to see heron with wet head sitting on roof of next-door house. Went cold. Rushed out, no sign of any of the four fish in the pond. Shimmering scales in the water like confetti. Then spotted two quivering wrecks hiding as best they could. Covered pond, thought, "Shutting the stable door after the horse has bolted.". Apologised to fish now being reincarnated as heron.<br /><br />Here comes the rain!Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5732804650537524584.post-14824102814975243182010-08-05T15:54:00.000+02:002010-08-05T16:05:11.470+02:00Presentation Skills workshop<span style="font-family:verdana;">So this is my first posting in my new blog. I have no idea what I'm doing, but learning fast.<br /><br />I'm presently looking for a venue in which to hold a Presentation Skills workshop in October. Will let all know when the venue and dates are finalised.<br /><br />The workshop will take the same form as the one I held at the South African College of Applied Psychology in April this year. I found that the one and a half day duration was just right for the theory and practice I need to cover to give maximum benefit to participants.<br /><br />I aim to keep the workshop affordable, depending on the venue I secure, the price should be no more than about R700,00.<br /><br /><br /></span>Andrea Williamshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04170465228609644632noreply@blogger.com0