Speaking About Speaking, the podcast is coming to an end... ??

In its current format, that is... ??

As you can see from the image above, I’ve had some fabulous guests on the show starting 18 months ago with the amazing Tom Morris, America's public philosopher. It's been so much fun but It’s run its course and it’s time for a shake-up.

I have a new vision and focus which?coincides with the further development of my Speak Like a Speaker brand and off the back of the success of the SLAS Club.

But this is very much in its experimental stage. Suck it and see, so to speak. And is?about the audience – you guys. ????

Specifically, those of you out there who recognise your desire to speak comfortably and confidently to YOUR audience.

I want this next incarnation to be a safe space to learn practice, support and interact with other people feeling the same way you do, i.e., fearful of putting yourself out there, afraid of feeling vulnerable but understanding that if you don’t take this step, you miss great opportunities to grow you and your business.

To that end, on July 16th?there will be a 45-minute live-streamed version of Speak Like a Speaker Club.

A zoom room open to a max of 25 with the format of:

10-minute warm-up and learning from me.

10-minute interview.

10-minute hot seat. Opportunity for the audience to speak (lucky dip questions)

10-minute Q&A.

Please, please, please let me know your thoughts. ???? If you'd like to attend DM me and I'll add you to the list.

You can watch the last live SAS from this week with the FABULOUS FAB. Chief Marketing Rebel,?Fab Giovanetti.

I was invited back to talk with?Shelley Rostlund?for her Brand Compass podcast. We?discussed my coaching process and how she felt working with me on her Creator Day talk.?

During our conversation I remembered how much I rely on my acting training and directors instinct to get clients performance ready. A talk whether on stage or in a room is a production. It needs to take the audience on a journey and leave them feeling something.

An actors training is so beneficial to everyone no matter what they do. From warm up, breathe and voice?to improvising, playing, character analysis and performance.?

Here's a whistle stop tour of?why...?

Warm Up.

BODY- Free yourself from the stress and habits that make you, you. Energise yourself and shake off any negativity, stress, or tension, restricting your flow.

Become flexible so that you can take on challenges.

Not just for the body but for the face and voice too. ALL rely on muscles and like any other muscle they need a regular workout.

FACE- 43 muscles in your face. Give them a workout. Makes you more expressive. Bring your face alive.

VOICE - Your voice is unique. An amazing tool supported by more muscles.

Diaphragm - when you breathe this dome-shaped muscle works with your abdominals and your intercostal muscles to move your rib cage up and out, allowing you to breathe deeply.?

Vocal cords - also muscles vibrate and create sound.

Your tongue teeth and lips are then all engaged to make words. Know where they are and how they work together to speak ensure you speak with clarity – clearly.

Drama games/ play

Encourage collaboration and build trust. Essential when you're on stage working as a team reliant on each other, but also in essential in every area of life to build relationships and connections. They also demonstrate the joy and benefits of working with others.

Improvisation

We improvise every day; in every interaction you have. Talking to the cashier at the shop, convincing your child that carrots aren't the devil's food, etc.

Be positive and supportive think ‘yes and...’ rather than ‘no but...’

‘No but...’ digs you deeper into a hole of negativity and leaves you stuck.

‘Yes and...’ opens your world to new possibilities and better connections.

Character.

Look at the subtext, motivation, and back story.

Important because they inform all of other interactions. Explains behaviour and motivation for actions and behaviour.

The back-story is what makes the character 3 dimensional relatable and authentic; that is, believable

Your back story could motivate, validate and inspire others at work, in your social circles. Builds rapport, creates trust and raises your self-esteem and confidence.

Your talk, your job, and your life is the culmination of all these processes – warm-up, exercise, play and character.

When utilised properly they build confidence, resilience, empathy and focus. Well-developed listening and storytelling skills, self-expression and creativity make you responsive, self-aware, engaging, relatable and inspiring. These attributes are essential to being a good actor, professional speaker, teacher, finance director, Gardner, software engineer, business coach, leader, nurse, manager blah blah blah blah - you get what I mean.

Read the full article:?Why an actor training is good for you

And...

You can't go wrong if you tell a story!

Stories from lived experience are often the ones that resonate with the audience and make the speaker more relatable.

Plus, when you use your own stories, you can’t forget or get caught out by them. Remember though, you aren’t telling these stories for you, that’s just self-indulgent. The stories you want are the ones that have something beneficial for the audience in them.

Perhaps they illustrate a point you want to get across making it easier understand and more likely to stick with them.

?A good story told well is memorable, as will you be for telling it. A great story will send your audience away feeling something and as the wonderous Maya Angelou said.

“People won't remember what you, said they won't remember what you did, but they will remember how you made them feel.”

Speak Like a Speaker Club

The next session is on Thursday, July 11. 6.30 for 7 PM. Finish at 9 PM.

The Malt House room, Brewhouse & Kitchen pub in Southbourne, Dorset, UK.

Be there or be square!! ??

In June we welcomed 3 first-timers - Sarah, Zoe and Ryan. ???

They were brave enough to trust me (the fools ??) and threw themselves into the playful exercises I gave them to do.

These 'theatre games' may feel strange and are a little outside of most people’s comfort zone but I know from my acting training many years ago that they can benefit us all!?

Fact: Theatre games help you become a better leader and public speaker.

?Playing these games is a group activity encouraging collaboration and building trust; essential when you are on stage in front of a live audience. But also, essential in every area of life. They help build relationships and connection. Plus, they demonstrate the joy and benefit of working with others and?open our minds to innovation, improvisation and creativity.

Book for the next session on July 11th

Shelley Rostlund has been in the 'quote' box for the last couple of newsletters. She has a fabulous way with words, as you can read in her description of me as a coach! Thank you Shelley. ????,

Thank you so much for reading. ????

If you'd like access to my speaking tips, techniques, news and events hot off the press (at least a week before this one!) then sign up here or go to my website powertospeak.co.uk.

The website also has a full list (and prices) of my coaching and speaking (prices on request) services.

And if you know of anyone that would benefit from receiving this email please forward it to them.

Have a fabulous weekend. ??

Jackie x

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