public speaking
I’m an avid fan of education. Simply put education can do amazing things, from lifting us out poverty, to communicating with different cultures, in different languages. It truly is amazing what people can achieve in life when they try, have the opportunity, the resources – and the coaching.
So… why am I saying this?
Communication is, in my opinion, the ability that should be learnt, practiced and developed continuously. Its a life long programme, and the earlier it is started in life the better. From a young age, I was diagnosed with hearing difficulties that ultimately manifested themselves with speech problems. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I discovered Public Speaking, and from there my communication skills vastly improved, as did my career. I gained formal qualifications in Public Speaking awarded by the “Associate of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art”, and travelled the world speaking in public for my company.
Where does this bring us to?
I was very pleased to hear about the government initiative to focus more on communication skills in schools, and I think the work done by the BBC here – http://www.bbcawards.com/2009/index.html, is a good thing and will give talented people the opportunity to progress.
Public speaking wasn’t a natural talent for me, and I learnt the hard way. I’d welcome the opportunity to assist where I can in the school, for the benefit of the learners. I’m also a fellow of the RSA (Royal Society of Arts) who also share this belief, and a number of their initiatives focus on society and social cohesion.