Public speaking in confidence help!

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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

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.

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

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.

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?

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

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

Will pm you the link!

Done it!

I got it, thank you x

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.

Yes, planning to try a session this Wednesday!

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

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

Ah ok, will ask then. Thank you