The Acting Club

19/10/2023

The dreaded...monotone!

Okay, seriously though. Why is having a monotone voice so bad...and what can we do to change that?

So when we are speakers, our aim is to give value to our audience. To teacher, to share, to inspire, whatever it is, there should always be a very clear call to action for your audience to take away.

However, when we speak in a monotonous voice, much like a hypnotist, the audience members' conscious mind starts to wander to the point that it stops being active, allowing the subconscious mind to be accessible.

Now that's all well and good, if you're a hypnotist. But chances are, most of us aren't.

When we infuse out voices with tonal shifts, pauses and varying inflection and emphasis, the conscious mind tends to retain interest in the speaker.

So what if you have a naturally monotonous voice? How can we change that?

Start with something that you are emotionally connected with. Listen to music that you love. Pay special attention to the emotion, stress and emphasis the singer puts on words and phrases.

Find something that makes you angry/ happy, maybe a news article. Go through and mark what the key words and phrases are. Put more vocal energy on those. Punctuate those moments with vocal force or try adding pauses.

Listen to successful and emotive speakers. YouTube is amazing for this.

And one I use all the time, especially when I'm recording my voice, is gesture and facial expressions. The voice takes the lead from the face so often so animate that face and you should find that colour lifts the voice.

14/10/2023

If you pop into our FB group you'll see me doing some diaphragmatic breathing exercises.

As speakers it's really important to have a beautifully resonant and grounded voice - we can do this by creating more space in the chest cavity - by engaging our diaphragm when we do this and expanding the tummy when we breathe in, we create a large space. So think of yourself as a violin right now, not much space for the sound to travel so the sound is slightly higher. If you supersize the amount of room our voices have to travel in (think the size of a Cello) then we create the perfect environment for our voices to be richer and not constrained.

I do this exercise with all new starters to Public Speaking. It's a great way to support the voice and the breath.

Hope this is helpful! Have an awesome day!

11/10/2023

I wanted to share some advice when it comes to approaching Public Speaking.

Someone told me today that they imagine everyone in their underwear and that they look just above the heads of the audience.

Now I bet you've heard this advice before yeah?!

I think it's got something to do with feeling superior over a crowd which scares you.

But I'm here to tell you...PLEASE DON'T FOLLOW THIS ADVICE!

Separating yourself from your audience takes away your authenticity, people can read it in your body language straight away.

Instead of imagining people in their underwear, focus on the fact that you are one of them, part of a large team. That you are there to share your amazing knowledge. You are there to help them.

When you refocus your mindset and it becomes about you and the audience sharing that energy, it really starts to reframe Public Speaking.

Plus eye contact is KEY to all communication. Did you know that when you look at an audience member in the eyes, it produces Oxytocin for you both? How powerful is that?! 🥰

26/09/2023

Public Speaking tip Tuesday!

Did you know that when you change the tense of the stories you tell, you are making them more immersive for the audience?

Next time you are telling a story, use present tense to engage and captivate the listener, so instead of 'so I went to the restaurant' try 'so I'm in the restaurant.'

Not only does it make the audience feel like they are there with you, but it can also encourage more ease and a conversational tone.

25/09/2023

5 days left...to 100km.

I've completed 80km, can I do it?! (Yes, yes I can...🤣😅).

Thank you so much for everyone's donations so far, I've raised £200 for Great Ormond Street Hospital which I'm so chuffed with! If anyone has a couple if quid to spare that would be so awesome of you!

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Help Leanne Johnson raise money to support Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity

22/09/2023

We have an amazing community of people here on Facebook that want to improve their Public Speaking skills, whether that be nerves, techniques, ideas. Our group is full of insightful people that want to learn more and improve themselves. If this sounds like you, come and join us!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700855822050197/

This is my post and advice for today:
I'm currently listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear on Audible - it's GREAT! So insightful about how we can promote productive habits and change our belief systems to keep 'good' habits going which then become something we do without thinking.
One thing that really resonated with me was when he says 'It's hard to change your habits if you never change the underlying beliefs,' so I want you to take an affirmation, a mantra, whatever it is for you, and repeat it out loud every day, something along the lines of 'I am a great speaker. I am awesome at public speaking.' Not only is it a fantastic goal and manifesting exercise, but it will help visualise that goal for you and you can start making tiny changes each day.
So what are your recommendations for this week? For life, for fun, for work? Anything!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/700855822050197/

22/09/2023

We have an amazing community of people here on Facebook that want to improve their Public Speaking skills, whether that be nerves, techniques, ideas. Our group is full of insightful people that want to learn more and improve themselves. If this sounds like you, come and join us!

Link is in the BIO

This is my post and advice for today:

I'm currently listening to Atomic Habits by James Clear on Audible - it's GREAT! So insightful about how we can promote productive habits and change our belief systems to keep 'good' habits going which then become something we do without thinking.

One thing that really resonated with me was when he says 'It's hard to change your habits if you never change the underlying beliefs,' so I want you to take an affirmation, a mantra, whatever it is for you, and repeat it out loud every day, something along the lines of 'I am a great speaker. I am awesome at public speaking.' Not only is it a fantastic goal and manifesting exercise, but it will help visualise that goal for you and you can start making tiny changes each day.

So what are your recommendations for this week? For life, for fun, for work? Anything!

20/09/2023

Tomorrow!

We start our brand new class - Musical Theatre LAMDA for adults starts on Thursday night.

If you love to SING - THIS IS FOR YOU.

If you love to ACT - THIS IS FOR YOU.

If you want to feel AMAZING - THIS IS FOR YOU.

Message us or head to the link.

https://www.theactingclub.co.uk/service-page/musical-theatre-lamda?referral=service_list_widget

18/09/2023

I'm over half way! I've gotta run 43km to get to my goal of 100km for

Link is in the BI0- would be so excellent of you if you could donate a few quid!

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15/09/2023

Remember- booking closes for our face to face Public Speaking classes on Sunday!

Then booking won't be open again until January 2024.

Message or comment and let's get you nailing your public speaking!

12/09/2023

Our Musical Theatre course starts next week!

What can you expect?

We will take you through the JOY of musical theatre. Focusing on Acting and Singing (no dance required) you'll work on musical theatre songs and monologues).

You'll have the opportunity to take a LAMDA musical theatre examination at the end if you want to.

These classes are going to be fun, joyful and improve your skill as a performer.

All abilities welcome!

Message us to book 🙂

11/09/2023

Our first Public Speaking FACE TO FACE COURSE.

WHERE? Chelmsford

WHEN? Starts 20th September 2023

HOW LONG IS IT? This is an 8 week course, a new module each week teaching you the fundamentals of Public Speaking.

WHAT WILL WE COVER?

GETTING OVER YOUR NERVES - WEEK ONE

MINDSET - WEEK TWO

BODY LANGUAGE - WEEK THREE

STRUCTURING - WEEK FOUR

TECHNIQUE- WEEK FIVE

AUDIENCE CONNECTION AND ENERGY - WEEK SIX

BEING YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF - WEEK SEVEN

YOUR PRESENTATION- WEEK EIGHT

This is a special Beta price- it will never be this low again!

DM BOOK or comment and let's get you booked in.

If you're unable to attend some classes, we will record the missed classes for you.

I'm going to close the booking on this course on Sunday 17th September. That's in 6 days!

Let's make you feel confident and comfortable that you can NAIL YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING!

06/09/2023

The 5 Ps of Public Speaking...

Can you think of any more?

03/09/2023

Hey everyone!

So I thought I would challenge myself to do something a bit (well for me really difficult)...so I've signed up to the run 100km in September challenge.

Now I am NOT a natural runner, but this will not only give me the drive and determination to keep going but its for an amazing charity!

So if you are feeling a little bit awesome and wanted to donate to Great Ormond Street Hospital, the link to my page is in the bio!

😘

8km in...let's do this!

30/08/2023

I'm looking for 5 people who want to overcome their fear about Speaking in Public...

Comment or message me SPEAK and I can help you!

29/08/2023

Musicals!

If you had to choose a song from a musical that played every time you entered a room, what would it be?

👇🏽

29/08/2023

Happy!

Why?

Because another person has booked our HOW TO NAIL YOUR PUBLIC SPEAKING COURSE!

So I did a little happy dance!

This course will give you the skills and confidence you need to succeed with Public Speaking.

We start in September in Chelmsford face to face...

OR...

Book a 1:1 course with me ONLINE!

Message me or comment SPEAK to book.

28/08/2023

There must be something in the air! 🥰

We've had another TWO bookings for our musical theatre course.

So what will you do when you sign up?

You'll be supported by our professional tutors to develop your vocal and acting technique, focusing on learning songs from musicals and acting monologues.

It's your chance to not only develop your skill but more importantly, feel amazing, doing something that makes your heart sing.

So do you want to feel amazing?!

Message us or comment SING to book.

24/08/2023

Musical Theatre LAMDA.

Our BRAND NEW CLASS will focus on studying musical theatre (song and character acting not dance). Students will have the opportunity to take a LAMDA exam when they are ready.

So what can this class do for you?

✨️It will hone your performance skills, allowing you to develop a deeper understanding of musical theatre and acting

🔔Improve your stage presence and confidence

💕Provide insights into the history and cultural significance of theatrical productions

👁A brilliant avenue for personal expression and creativity.

🌻 Additionally, studying LAMDA musical theatre can open up potential career opportunities within the performing arts industry as it holds an accredited OFQUAL qualification

DM us or comment MUSICAL for all the info and how to book

23/08/2023

Our Public Speaking course is perfect for people who want to:

💛 Improve their voice whilst presenting and speaking

💫tackle limiting beliefs and anxiety

🌻 grow more confident as a speaker

🗨 learn professional speaking techniques including structuring and audience connection

Comment SPEAK and I'll send you more info!

20/08/2023

I had the best time delivering a Voice and Movement workshop to the cast of Arcadia today!

What a brilliant group of actors. I can't wait to see them implement the exercises and absolutely nail their characters on stage next month!

Thanks so much for having me Chelmsford Theatre Workshop

🥰

20/08/2023

My view this morning - even though our summer has been a bit of a washout, I'm glad for the rain as its turned the garden rather jungle like.

Today I'll be off to to deliver a voice and movement workshop to the amazing cast of Arcadia.

Something I am so passionate about is voice and movement so I'm going to have so much fun with this!

17/08/2023

How to Nail Your Public Speaking course!

We are obsessed with Public Speaking!

But what can it do for you?

Joining our Public Speaking course can help you improve your communication skills, boost confidence, and become more effective as a speaker.

Through practice, feedback, and our teaching professional techniques, you can transform your ability to articulate your ideas, engage audiences, and overcome stage fright.

Not only can our Public Speaking course benefit you in personal, academic, and professional contexts, but it will allow you to convey your thoughts and ideas with clarity and impact.

Download our freebie or comment SPEAK for more info.

https://www.theactingclub.co.uk/about-6

15/08/2023

Something that I've learnt over the many years I've been performing and speaking. No matter what you do, you cannot be all things to everyone.

There will always be someone who doesn't like you, you can't be everyone's cup of tea.

And you know what?! That's ok!

The sooner we realise that we cannot and will not ever please everyone and start to accept that, we take that one step closer to being more comfortable with the fact that we will be judged- always, but those few people who decide to do that in a negative way, should not stand in the way of our success!

Do you agree?!

05/08/2023

What an incredible day we've had. This has been on James's bucket list forever!

🥰

03/08/2023

Well...our LAMDA Musical Theatre for adults class is proving VERY POPULAR! We've sold another TWO SPOTS which is amazing!

Only 7 spots left!!!

Head to the link to book.

https://www.theactingclub.co.uk/book-online

Why LAMDA Musical Theatre?

You can work towards a qualification, do something purely JOYFUL once a week, meet an incredible group of people and improve your technical ability. You can also share your love of musicals!

So what is YOUR favourite musical?

This is a hard one to answer but ONE of my favourite musicals has to be Moulin Rouge.

Pop your favourite in the comments!
👇🏽

theatrechelmsford

https://www.theactingclub.co.uk/book-online

02/08/2023

At The Acting Club we know how debilitating anxiety caused by public speaking can be.

Did you know the fear of public speaking is the most common phobia ahead of death, spiders, or heights? Let's just repeat that, ahead of DEATH?! 🥺

The National Institute of Mental Health reports that public speaking anxiety, or glossophobia, affects about 40% of the population.

SO...We've made a free guide to help banish Public Speaking anxiety.

Head to the link below, download our guide and start making steps towards a more confident you!

https://www.theactingclub.co.uk/about-6