Finding a Voice

“Always bear in mind that public speaking is about finding one’s voice and allowing it to be heard!”

How to speak publicly with confidence

Tag something as “public speaking” and it can instill fear in the best of us. Public speaking does not always mean taking centre stage before a class or audience, it can also be having a voice in your sports team or within your group of friends. RGS Head of English (Year 7 – 10) Ms Louise Heilbuth uncovers how we can speak publicly with clarity, confidence and conviction.

Ms Louise Heilbuth You break into a cold sweat, your hands are clammy, but your mouth is dry. Your heart rate has increased, you feel nauseous and dizzy at the same time. Your body shakes! Chances are that you are about to give a presentation to a group of peers, you have been asked to submit a podcast or vlog or you’ve been asked a question on a platform like Teams or Zoom. It is common knowledge that at least 75% of the Australian population fear public speaking – there is even a term for the extreme fear of public speaking – glossophobia! Public speaking, though, can be a powerful platform for you to lend your voice to pertinent issues, opinions and debate. At RGS, opportunities for public speaking abound. Across the curriculum, our young people have the freedom to express themselves in the form of class presentations, podcasts, vlogs, and online meetings. Most of the extensive competitions offered, have an element of speaking in front of others, whether it be managing a mathematical question or competing in Voice of Youth, the annual oratory competition

RGS students have many opportunities to further discover and improve their public speaking skills.

held in June. The School also has a strong debating programme that encourages all students to attend meetings and try out public speaking in a safe and caring environment. So, why do so many of us fear public speaking? It is in fact the fear of situations in which we may: make a mistake, be judged by others or lack confidence. These fears can all be overcome, and effective public speaking is a learnable skill. Some of the ways in which public speaking can be improved is to think about breathing correctly – strange as that may sound. In the subject, Drama, at RGS, students learn how to overcome ‘nervous’ breathing by practicing something called intercostal diaphragmatic breathing. This kind of breathing allows speakers to control the way they breathe in order to combat nerves as well as project their voice effectively. This is a very handy skill to develop as speakers can then speak with confidence and clarity. Know your stuff – this is an important aspect of public speaking. A well-researched, well written speech that connects with your audience will ensure greater audience engagement and should put you at ease. Know your audience – play to what your audience hopes to benefit from your speech. Finally, another way to enhance public speaking is of course to rehearse. This is certainly encouraged, and some students rehearse so effectively that they are able to memorise their presentations! A well-rehearsed presentation allows for greater eye contact with the audience and an emphasis then, on how the voice sounds and which gestures to use. Always bear in mind that public speaking is about finding one’s voice and allowing it to be heard.

STUDENTS, CURRENT AND PAST, FIND THEIR VOICES

Aniq Malik Pannila (Year 11 student)

“I like public speaking because I want to gain some life skills.”

Harshitha Peddireddy (Year 12 student, Lions Youth of the Year State Winner, 2022)

“Public Speaking helped me find my voice and become more confident in social situations. I started public speaking when I was quite young, so the skill really made a difference in my life.”

Sithmi Konara (RGS 2021 graduate, Public Speaking Captain in 2021)

“Growing up in Sri Lanka, I was constantly reminded of the sanctity of free speech as I saw the voices of minorities being so openly oppressed. It fuelled me to use my own for the better and share our collective stories. Sithmi suggests that public speaking is a tool of empowerment, saying that if you can speak effectively, you can build connections that will last a lifetime. “I think one of the main and most important things that public speaking teaches you is to advocate for yourself. It ingrains the idea in your head that you don’t have to settle for less. “It also teaches you how to advocate for others. Engaging in public speaking shows you how to consider multiple perspectives and recognise the nuances of any problem so that you can attack it from a balanced and respectful standpoint.”