Public Speaking & Elocution
Parent Q&A
Archived Q&A and Reviews
Voice Projection/Elocution lessons
Aug 2009
Hi , I am looking for someone to help me speak loudly and project my voice better and have some vocal variety. This is not singing related just to improve presentation and speaking. May be something unconventional like acting lessons would be the answer. Guidance please.
Even though you are talking about well...talking...or speaking, it might be helpful to talk to a singing voice teacher. When we sing, we are learning to use our voice to the maximum...to breathe properly, use the larynx/voicebox in the proper most effective way, to project teh sound by relaxing the throat, enunciate properly, open the mouth enough, sound vowels properly. All these things are what we use to speak and to sing. that said, I know that Berkeley rep ahs a lot of classes for actors. You could also try the Jazz School on Addison in Bkly. I can recommend my voice teacher, Ellen Robinson, ellen [at] ellenrobinson.com. She'd at least be good to talk to about what you're looking for. Good luck anon
I highly recommend Cara Hale Alter at Speechskills (http://www.public-speaking.com/) I was fortunate to be able to take a class from her---Projecting Credibility and Confidence--paid for by my work. She was teaching at UC Extension...don't know if she still does. She's a great teacher and excellent coach. She helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses in a very non-threatening, non-judgmental, helpful manner. I don't have any experience with the other trainers in her company but Cara's wonderful. Sally
Which toastmasters?
April 2007
Can people who have participated or are participating in local Toastmaster's groups tell a bit about their experiences? It seems easiest to pick based on what fits in the schedule, but are there other considerations? If anyone can give specifics, that would be appreciated. anon
Lakeview Toastmasters is a terrific group -- they've been in existence for over 40 years -- a warm, supportive, fun place to build your speaking skills and confidence. They meet every Thursday 7-8am at Summit Hospital in conference room just off the cafeteria. I've been a member for several years (currently on a break due to my heavy workload - planning to return this summer). Wendy
Accent Modification
June 2003
Is there a place in the East Bay where one can take diction lessons? My husband wants to lose, or at least tone down, an accent. MEG
Joan Cehn is a licensed/credentialed speech pathologist in Oakland with over 15 years of experience, including accent modification/reduction. Her Masters in Speech Pathology is from Northwestern University. She can be reached at 510-301-1345, or joanc1036 (at) aol.com. Good Luck! J. Roberts
Public Speaking
March 1999
I highly recommend Butterfield Speaks in San Francisco. Richard Butterfield has been providing this service for many professionals, after having worked in acting for years. He also works outside of San Francisco, e.g., in the East Bay, Los Angeles, and as far away as Australia. I'm not sure of the phone number, but it should be in the phone book. Wendy
Although I have never tried it myself, Toastmasters (in Berkeley, I think) has been recommended to me by both a career counselor and a writer who used it to prepare for a book tour. There's an 800 number in the White Pages that will help you find the closest group. L. Silver
I highly recommend joining a Toastmasters group in your area. Toastmasters is an international organization dedicated to improving public speaking skills. Like many club-oriented organizations, you do need to find a group with which you click, so don't be discouraged if you need to try a few different clubs out to find the one that's right for you. Before mommyhood, I worked for an environmental consulting firm doing human health risk assessment. I frequently needed to present findings to members of the public, and often found these presentations daunting. Toastmasters helped me a great deal--I'm a believer. Look them up in your phone book Christina
Check out the Practice Space! Youth Grades K-8 | The Practice Space (practice-space.org)
I don't know of any groups or classes, but you might try community theater. It's good experience to be on stage and learn to be comfortable in front of an audience. My kids have also done some public speaking at church (during worship), at events (like speaking at funerals and at weddings), and at other general life opportunities as they arise - for example, my 11yo daughter led a Christmas carol singalong at her grandmother's assisted living facility yesterday. I'm not sure it's necessary to seek out a class - there are lots of opportunities just in everyday life if you look for them.