[matilda] 2. Voice

[dan at aktivix.org]

Morning,

Eek - got sleepy and only finished one of four proposals.  Number 2 - 

Been meaning to get around to proposing these things for ages, but right now
feeling particularly in need of doing something positive!

Proposal 2: Voice workshop.

This one's close my heart, and to all my own worst fears. As I mentioned
before,
I have a (mostly now dormant) stammer, so if I'm willing to do this, anyone
should be!

I have no great skills in this area - just ideas, some books to work from, and
a
little experience of workshops.  

Aim: using your voice.  What for? I hope the session will cover a lot of
things,
 through practical exercises and a lot of amusing making silly noises / reading
of Monty Python sketches (as well as more serious stuff) We will - 

*Examine our feelings about our own voices. When do you feel in control of it? 
When do you feel powerless? When do you feel eloquent? In what situations do
you feel clunky, or stupid, or unable to say what you want? What behaviour in
others   makes your throat constrict?

*Working on learning to understand your voice, how to strengthen it, and
control
it.  This will include learning to see it as an instrument that we use -
and so being able to objectively assess our progress. But we'll then come back
to the fact that our voice is one of the most personal and intimate things
about us.

*Understanding fear and voice.  Fear will always affect voice when starting
e.g.
in public speaking - that's a fact of life.  This is one reason why the
sessions will get us to treat our voice - and our fear - objectively.  The only
way to overcome that fear is lots and lots of practice, so you become familiar
and comfortable with it: firstly in this supportive environment, and then when
we're ready and willing, moving on to larger groups, including people we don't
know! Other ways of dealing with fear - preparation beforehand, positive
affirmation, possibly meditation if anyone wants to!

*And, of course, practice!  We'll do lots of different things, including: making
speeches / public speaking; working on presentation; dialogues - both silly
(Monty Python, and any other suggestions anyone might have) and serious; and a
little bit of devil's advocate and arguing / debate for anyone as wants to.

Even more than with the seminars, this group will need to feel safe.  It should
be a place for both newbies and more experienced and confidence people, who can
contribute, practice and support others.

With this one, though, the starting group will have a veto on whether new people
come in later on.  A supportive dynamic will be important to the group.

Right,

See ya

Dan