MILLY VOICE

With my surname (yes, “Voice” really is not a stage name), some could say arguably, I was born for the job of a public speaking coach (queue drum roll).

When I am not running, my other passion is indeed public speaking, and I wanted to dedicate a post to this, what I have learnt so far, and the importance of it as a skill for adults, for young people and for future generations.

*Me, looking like I have just been told post reindeer-gig I need to give a speech*

As a child, I enjoyed the creativity of theatre, but I actually hated the prospect of public speaking. Any chance to go on the stage I would relish; I once made a great reindeer and was a keen attendee of the local dance and drama clubs. But speaking to an audience? Giving a speech? It would set me into an anxiety spin weeks before, if I so much as had to read a couple of verses in a Carol Concert.

Funny how this discipline is now my passion and a huge part of my career.

The fear of public speaking is known as Glossophobia, argued to be up there as one of the top worst phobias. It is hard to define precisely what it is about it that gets our hearts racing and pulse quickening. Fear of heights is understandable, but nothing is actually going to hurt you by simply exercising your vocal chords to a room of people. After all, we talk all the time, so why should the introduction of an audience be the fear factor?

I have spent the past five years specialising in teaching a bespoke curriculum of Speech and Drama internationally and I now teach back in the UK. What started as a childhood fear has transformed into a life passion, and I believe “confidence studies” is one of the most important life skills for us to hone and refine. Everyone is unique and remarkable, so how do we show it? How do we strike the balance of humility in our speaking and yet not be cowering in the corner? How can we showcase the best version of ourselves?

Although it is a joy to teach those who are naturally accomplished in this area on making small refinements to pass internationally known accreditations (I have taught students up to Grade 8 in the prestigious LAMDA curriculum), some of my best teaching experiences has been helping those who hate it.

Seeing a student go from fear or even resentment at having to learn these skills, to then walking into the room with confidence and self assurance is a skill that I know will help them throughout their lives. Indeed, it is a skill that adults have often never practised before landing lucrative high-ranking jobs and yet still wish they had been more equipped in for the board room (despite first class degrees and years clocking in).

Teach a man to fish, will feed him. Teach him to public speak, means he can tell the world how to do it.

Do I still get nervous speaking to a room? Yes, of course. But it is not about nerves (these are actually welcomed when controlled). It is really a belief that “you can”. In a world that is becoming more technologically dominant with ever more sophisticated AI, the human ability to imagine, express and articulate is a rare and invaluable phenomenon we must not lose.

Here are some of my top tips to support your public speaking, whoever you are.

Breathe from the diaphragm (ie. the space under the rib cage). This instigates “rest and digest” helping you to instantly relax. It also opens up the breathing space to allow the possibility of vocal projection.
If you were a present, imagine someone pulling the ribbon tight at the crown of your head - this instantly corrects posture.
The mirror is your friend - practising speeches in front of a mirror helps you see what others see and helps you adjust accordingly
Gestures increase engagement - non-verbal communication is the predominant way we communicate. Closed body language says a lot; so does fidgeting. Think about what you normally do when you talk to a friend, and follow accordingly. You want to be relatable and seem relaxed. Talk with your hands.
Don’t be afraid of pauses - this shows composure, allows you to think and gives an impression of calmness and control. The best is to start a speech with a pause, which really grabs the attention of the audience.

Finding a “voice” is important, and once we find it, we need to know how to share it. I believe this should become more and more important in the education curricula of the future, as we try and navigate, help, and improve our little blue world.

For more information on Milly’s public speaking tutoring and support, you can get in touch via the contact page