Speaking Well In Public

A new idea -

Speaking Well In Public presents SpeakEasy,  an occasional series of free informal drop-in discussion events. It’s for anyone who has to speak in public for any reason and would like some friendly support and advice.

Bring your public speaking ‘issue’ to discuss, share ideas and inspiration with the group and get some personal advice from me.

SpeakEasy -  it all happens in a cafe near you, and all you pay for is your coffee and cake. It’s fun, friendly – and free. Hope to see you at the next one – details will follow soon.

I presented a workshop on Actors’ Tips for Trainers for the CIPD Sussex Trainers’ Forum [ reviews ].

We looked at the subject of stage fright; why speakers and performers get nervous, what happens and what we can do about it; how to support the voice with breathing and speaking exercises and how to give an interesting and memorable reading.

Just a taste of the many areas where actors’ techniques can be used to great effect by trainers and public speakers.

“… a great presentation … really useful and entertaining!”
Cathy Robinson, Assoc CIPD, Wellbeing and Nutrition Trainer

I’ll be playing Helena in an open air Shakespeare event “A Midsummer Night’s Madness” at Ardingly Court Gardens, Brighton, at 2.30 pm 17th July. Box Office 07919 674000

“Philippa Hammond, outstanding as a Helena who glints words”
Dr Simon Jenner

Wednesday 22nd June 2011: “A Midsummer Night’s Madness”

Philippa appeared as Helena in “A Midsummer Night’s Madness”, an evening of Shakespearian sonnets and scenes presented by Sussex Equity members at the Marlborough Theatre, Brighton.

“Thanks for putting on the excellent seminar on public speaking and script reading today. I found it very useful.”  Chris Wardman

Saturday 18^th June 2011:  I was happy to be part of this year’s Critical Incident on the theme of Connection. Around a hundred and fifty people attended over the thirteen-hour event at the Phoenix Gallery and Caffe Moksha in Brighton, merging business and creative worlds in debates, workshops and dramatic performances.

I presented a workshop “Reading Aloud to an Audience from the Script” for business people, actors, writers and poets, parents and teachers – anyone who needs to read in public for business, performance or pleasure. We explored the concept of nerves, looked at how breathing, relaxation and body language can support the voice, and how to ensure the most information goes from the reader to the listener in the most interesting and engaging ways.

The whole event was a great success, and I’m looking forward to next year’s.

Photographs by Paul Levy

Sight Reading workshop

I’ve just given a pair of workshops on sight-reading techniques to a diverse group including actors, poets, screen-writers and film directors.

The workshop looked at marking up a script to help you work, making the most of your voice, expressions and non-verbal communication and grabbing and keeping audience attention.

For actors auditioning with an unseen piece, auditioning with prepared sides from the script, sight-reading at an unrehearsed play-reading, reading poetry, dialogue or prose to an audience, recording a voice-over for advert, narration or talking book, presenting from autocue [and reading the speech of thanks when you get the Oscar...], sight reading is a highly marketable skill.

For poets and writers, reading their work to an audience heightens their public image and the chance of making a sale.

For business people, the ability to read an entertaining and memorable speech well at conferences, meetings and social events can enhance their reputation, and the company’s, too.

A meeting today to prepare for the Critical Incident event [June 18th 2011]. Workshop leaders discussed their ideas for the various sessions, exchanged feedback and suggestions. My session is developing- see later entries for further details.