There are two components to every speech: what you say, and how you say it.

Most speakers pay attention only to the “what.” Yet, even the best content and most finely tuned language will fall flat if the speaker ignores the “how.” This was our theme in Week 1 of Public Speaking and Debate. Our work in body language, breathing, posture, and vocal control culminated on Thursday when Sarah, Carmen, Paola, Belen, and Ashley took part in a speaking workshop – “Learning Vocal Presence” – with Professor Ron Bashford from the Amherst College Theater Department. We spent two hours practicing nothing but eye contact and attentiveness.

Professor Bashford’s exercises forced us all outside our comfort zones, but provided us with meaningful skills not only for the podium, but also for the interview hot seat, café chair, and dining room table.

We’ll be putting these skills to use in Week Two when the students give their first speeches. Now that we know how, it’s time to discern what, or better yet, why.

Stay tuned,
Josh

Public Speaking Instructor