True trickiness of tone

This month's blog shares some observations made during a reading of my latest play at The Kennedy Center. The realtionship of words said to tone used to say them is, I think, something we can all apply to real life situations.

Fall Workshops are back! Check out this link for upcoming dates for my ever-popular One-Day Blitz.

Tips you can use!

Toungue twisters to the rescue

Make sure your mouth is awake before you start your day by doing a few tongue twisters in the shower or on your way to the office. Take a minute to warm up your "talking muscles" before your day of calls, meetings, and chats. You won't get tripped up by the old mumble/stumble again!

Breathe

This tip is evergreen--because it is always needed! Each day I hear people who forget to do the most basic thing before they start to speak: Breathe! Even if you haven't had a chance to do your daily breathing/centering warm-ups, taking a good deep breath before you start to say anything will help you speak with energy and focus.

. . . and breathe again!

Just because you've gotten off to a good start in your speech doesn't mean you are out of the woods! Fear can still overtake you. Be vigilant and keep the "speakers nerves" from wrecking your presentation by mindfully breathing throughout. A "note to self" written on your outline or text about 2/3 of the way through can't hurt, either!