Voice Matter Workshops now booking

Hello everyone,

Well it doesn’t seem five minutes since I was writing to you in September – where does the time go?


I have been kept very busy (as always) during the last month but there has been time for a bit of fun too. We had to clear the attic so that new insulation could be installed and it’s amazing what you find! One special discovery was a Beatles lampshade from the mid 60’s which turned out to be a good earner – we put it on EBay and sold it to an American for £360!!! Some other finds then went along to a local car boot sale where we netted another £170 and spent some of the joint proceeds on a new fridge-freezer (our old one ate electricity so we have done a little bit to improve our carbon footprint!). We also fitted in a trip to see our son in Norwich. He owns a delightful Victorian house but needs the occasional help with maintenance so dad came to the rescue and rebuilt a dying window frame. I did my bit sanding down some of the wooden staircase which was then given a coat of varnish to spruce it up. I also had time for a walk in the centre of the city along the river. It really is lovely and is still being brought back to life with new flats and eateries. It’s well worth a visit if you’re in that area.


We had lunch at the Potters Club again in Stoke-on-Trent, courtesy of my dear adjudicating friend Sheila Howells. It was lovely to catch up on news and as we were the only people in the restaurant at lunchtime we really had personal service.


I’ve had 2 theatrical visits this month, both to the local Concordia Theatre in Hinckley. First was the hilarious farce “It Runs in the Family” by Ray Cooney and last I night I enjoyed “Jekyll and Hyde” the musical. The songs were not memorable but the cast and direction were superb so it was well worth the time.


I told you last month that I had quite a lot of speaking to do in September and it was all very enjoyable. I started off at Access 2 Business (http://www.access2buiness.co.uk/ ) in Leicester where I showed my promotional DVD to 20 business men and women. Then I had the pleasure of speaking to the Leicestershire branch of the Soroptimists about myself and how I have developed my business over the past 36 years. A light but delicious lunch was served and I met some fascinating philanthropic ladies. The following day I found myself in north Nottinghamshire speaking to a small but very interested group of ladies at their branch of the Women’s Networking Company. I have since begun work with one of the attendees and another has booked onto my next workshop so the terrible journey (2 accidents on the motorway and torrential rain!) was worthwhile in the end.


Towards the end of the month I packed up 30 of my period costume dolls and set off to speak for an hour to the Stratford Ladies Luncheon Club at the Falcon Hotel. I didn’t realise that their would be 110 of them! Despite the fact that the room we were in didn’t have room for a separate table, and part of the audience was behind me and juggling the microphone was impossible, they enjoyed it very much and I hope to offer them something else in the future. I just had time to draw breath before presenting the same talk on “The Changing Shape of Fashion” (a light-heated look at what amazing things women have done in the name of fashion) to the Avon Group of the W.I. at Swinfield. There were about 50 here and we enjoyed a lovely buffet at the end of the evening to complete a very busy day.


In the middle of the month I was privileged to be asked to adjudicate the Speech & Drama entries in the West Midlands Championship of the British and International Federation of Festivals at Pershore, Worcs. Together with my colleague, Rosemary Graham, I sat on a panel with music and dance judges to decide the best of the best in a concert of winners from throughout the Midlands.


There was a trip to London for an examiners’ meeting at LAMDA and then quickly back up the motorway to take part in a charity concert. I performed four pieces on the theme of ‘Favourite Characters’ with members of The Stanley Opera singing classics and songs from the shows. Proceeds went to the Air Ambulance and the Concordia disable lift fund. As I rarely get a chance to perform these days I really enjoyed the evening.


Surprisingly I found myself on Radio Leicester for the second time in a month last Sunday. I was asked by presenter, Karl Cooper, who had heard me on Monica Winfield’s show previously. Originally we were going to talk about improving the confidence of women when they’ve been at home for several years bringing up their children. However, he managed to get my famous ex-student, Graeme Hawley (John Stape from Coronation ~Street) on the phone to talk about his interesting forthcoming story-line so it ended up being a 3-way chat.


I’ve been networking busily as usual this month at my weekly business Networking Club at Broughton Astley (www.businessnetworkingclubs.co.uk ) and I attended the 1st anniversary meeting of the Federation of Small Businesses at the Greyhound Inn, Lutterworth (the food is fantastic!). Finally I went to a Switched-on-Biz event in the Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham which had a very interesting mix of businesses and some tempting canapés. The only trouble with all this nibbling while you work is that it shows ion the waistline!


Well, if you’ve been reading my blog for the last couple of months you’ll know that it was the big day on 24 September when I had my first open Voice Workshop at the Marriot Hotel, Leicester. I’m delighted to say tell you that it was a great success. I filled all 12 places and we had a fun-filled, practical day which everyone found worthwhile. Here are some of the feedback comments:


“A very enjoyable course, really nicely presented”

Will definitely help with any public speaking I may have”

Mark Scarrett, Stugess Hutchinson Accountants

“A very useful with plenty of tips that I can use as an advocate in court – voice projection and control of my voice will also assist with confidence when speaking to large groups”

Gemma Cole, Mander Cruickshank Solicitors

“So much useful information. Just the breathing exercise made it worthwhile. The difference it made in my voice volume was amazing”

Jaqui Crooks

“Walking through the basic steps allows and offers a grounded understanding that anyone can apply to their own industry. It’s a fantastic start for me”

Paul Lees, Legends International

“Very interactive, easy to understand with highly effective communication methods”

“I really enjoyed the day, a great balance of learning and practising”

Theresa Thornton, Clearskies Consultancy


So, if you want to really understand your voice and how it can help you grow your business contact Priscilla now to book your place on 12 November.


Tip of the month:

Only 70% of your message is found in words. The other 93% is a combination of body language and voice. It pays to have the knowledge which will make the difference.

I hope you all have a productive and unstressful month.

See you in November!


And don’t forget

Speak Wisely, Speak well, Speak Loud & Clear!

Contact Priscilla:

www.loudandclearuk.com

info@loud-n-clear.dev.cc

Tel: 01455 230317

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