The Power of Performance

Hello again everyone,

The death of Michael Jackson made me think about how much we are uplifted by great performers and how much performance has meant in my life to date. I was always a Drama Queen (I can hear some of you saying WE KNOW!). As a small child I remember loving the dressing-up-box and putting on little shows in the garden for my friends. Then there was dancing for the Cadbury factory fete as part of my junior school Irish Dancing team - complete with beautifully embroidered green and gold dress and cape. The first 'proper' play I remember appearing in was Aesops fable 'The Belly and the Members' where I played The Belly with a biscuit tin stuffed up my costume! Soon I graduated to musical theatre in 'Salad Days' and then Shakespeare as Hero in 'Much Ado About Nothing' which began a life-long love of the Bard (with a published book in 1977). By my mid-teens I knew that theatre was for me and at 19 I found myself performing in the West End with the National Youth Theatre and then gaining a coveted place at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London for professional training. Throughout my adult life I have had the pleasure of performing on stage numerous times in recitals, concerts one-woman shows and have acted or directed over 40 plays, musicals and pantomimes. As a fully paid up member of Equity I continue to keep a strong focus on all things theatrical and whenever I get a free night I'll be having a 'busman's holiday' and taking my seat in the auditoriam. So what has being a performer taught me that I can apply to my business life? Well, that people work best when they work with passion and commitment; that if we work as a team we can acheive more by sharing the load; that good oral communication ensures a clear message and therefore faster results. I suppose that is what I try to convey in my 1-2-1 sessions and workshops. Everyone has a bit of a performer in them. Even someone who is basically shy can find a little spark which will affect another human being. Sometimes we just have to allow our feelings out because people buy people, rather than a business. If you think your spark is still lying hidden - you know where I am!

What have I been up to in June? Examining took me to Sheffield for three days and also to Leamington, Nottingham and Bedford. I did some breakfast meetings for 4Networking at Derby and Birmingham, a lunch event at Leicester organised by Network Midlands and The business Club and an evening event supporting 'Women in Business'at Stratford. Early in the month I did a short 'Something to Shout About' session for a womens' network in Burton-on-Trent and later an interactive seminar in Birmingham for the Lyness group network. As a direct result of this I will be taking a 1/2 day 'Voice Matters' course for a company in Manchester during July. I was delighted to be involved in LeicestHERday on 12 June. It was an inspirational day held at the Walkers Football Stadium which had excellent conference facilities. I was taking one of the table workshops in the afternoon for the education and training section and thoroughly enjoyed the day. I was an exhibitor at a business to business event at the new Bingley Hall, Birmingham organised by Switched-on-Biz At the same event I had the pleasure of being one of the 5 key-note speakers. My presentation included the story of my business success over the last 37 years and a recital entitled 'It's a Dog's Life' in aid of Guide Dogs for the Blind which Angela Agnew, of 'Switched-on-Biz' supports. I also had some related news which was quite a surprise - I have got to the final in the awards for 'Women in Business with B***s!' Don't laugh please. I shall be donning my posh frock and heading for the New bingley Hall on October 1st so wish me luck. Stewart and I attended an EMITA event about working in Hong Kong and China. As some of you know I judge at the speech festival every two years on Hong Kong island and I believe my voice coaching could be very popular in the business community. We are pursuing several avenues and will let you know the result. If you have any business contacts in Hong Kong who you feel might be intersted in talking to us in November/December please ask them to get in touch. I held my latest 'Voice Matters' open workshop at the Marriott hotel, Leicester on 16 June with another set of mixed business delegates. Again, there was excellent feedback and I'm now booking workshops numbers 8 & 9 for 17 September, Leicester and 21 September, Solihull It wasn't all work though.

I went to see an excellent youth production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's early musical 'The Likes of Us' about the founding of Dr Barnados. Although it was really only songs linked by narrative, the production by the Concordia Youth Theatre was really terrific - what talent and condidence they showed. I also really enjoyed 'The War of the Worlds' musical extravaganza at the National Indoor Arena. I went with an old school friend (that is length of friendship - not age!) and it was a trip back to my youth. You can't beat the vocal tones of Richard Burton!

Finally, back to the performing arts. I've been fortunate to help five students gain places at major training establishments for acting and musical theatre. They have 2 places at Guildford Conservatoire, 1 at Arts Educational and 2 at Mountview, london with several gaining full scholarships - my work is sometimes very rewarding. So, do you have any 'performing' stories to share with me? Have you ever 'trod the boards' or taken on a persona in the cause of art or business?

Tip of the month:
Every time you stand up in front of an audience, whether small or large, you should think as a performer. Use energy, clarity and emotion to put across your message. try it and notice the difference. Until next month:

Speak Wisely

Speak Well

Speak LOUD & CLEAR!

www.loudandclearuk.com

01455 230317

All Work & No Play!

Work

Play

All work and no play.........

I make no excuse for the fact that I spent the latter half of May on a cruise in the Mediterranean! You do need to re-charge the batteries from time to time so Stewart and I have thoroughly enjoyed exploring places we have been before and some we haven't. I know that the weather really improved in the UK while we were away but we were especially lucky, as this was the beginning of the season. Every one of our 7 ports was bathed in sunshine and temperatures which began at 26 in Cadiz and reached 31 by the time we got to Venice, Dubrovnik and Corfu. Even Gibraltar managed a sunny smile although it was a Sunday and therefore Marks & Spencers was shut - so no tax free shopping there! The only problem for any of you who've tried cruising is, of course, the food - that is the quantity of it! We tried to be good and did as many ballroom dancing classes as possible but the waist bands are definately tighter than when we went.

As a performer, I always look forward to the entertainment and we really had a treat this time with the best musical theatre company I have seen on a ship. 'The Headliners' were a hugely talented bunch with 5 lead singers and terrific dancers. They managed to do everything from Abba and Queen to Cole Porter with amazing energy and style. I was accepted as a guest speaker for P&O in 2006 but due to a number of circumstances I've never actually done any work. Hopefully I will be 'treading the ship boards' myself before too long.

Of course, I did do some work before I got on board. During the first 2 weeks of May I spoke at a 4Networking meeting on my exotic working travels; gave an inspirational talk on my success for an event organised by Women Aloud in Coventry; attended a lunchtime networking event in Birmingham run by Switched-on-Biz and exhibited at a 'Network Midlands' happening in Leicester.

I was delighted to work with a new business client from Cornwall who is returning for another session in June and I went down to London to meet a new contact with a view to collaborative voice work in the future. I was invited by LAMDA to run a course at their headquarters on the new Performance Examinations syllabus. I thoroughly enjoyed working with 20 enthusiastic teachers from all over the UK.

On the 13th I ran my first 'Dynamic Speaking' course at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester. I was delighted that the 6 business men who attended felt they had gained a great deal. The development achieved by some in their filmed presentations was particularly gratifying. You can see some comments on my testimonial page. The next session for advanced speaking will be in October.

I have a 'Voice Matters' course on June 16th - again in Leicester and there's only one place left as I write. I am now planning September courses for Leicester and Solihull. Details of these highly practical days click here

I fitted in 1 days examining too and finally celebrated my birthday with my dear adjudicating friend, Sheila Howells, and her daughter Pippa, over from Canada. We had a delightful lunch at the Potter's Club in Stoke-on-Trent.

Well I hope you are all enjoying getting out and about now that summer is almost here. Remember that all important work/life balance and have a bit of fun!

Tip of the month:

If you scream yourself hoarse at your favourite sporting venue, swig down the water to help your vocal cords recover. N.B. that DOESN'T include beer!!!

Don't forget -

Speak Wisely

Speak Well

Speak LOUD & CLEAR!

www.loudandclearuk.com

01455 230317

It's never too early......

I've just finished watching the final of 'The Speaker' on BBC 2. It was interesting that all 3 finalists had precise speech & confidence - essential requirements for a good communicator.

Last week I read an article in a major national newspaper entitled 'Millions of youngsters don't know how to talk'. It was bewailing the fact that Britain's teenagers are not being given sufficient focus on the spoken word in their education. As a result they don't know how to use appropriate forms of speech for formal and informal situations. This also results in an inability to listen properly or conduct a productive dialogue.

It has now been identified that the ability to express yourself properly, to get your syntax right and to adapt the right mood of speech for specific circumstances is a key to professional and even personal success. I have worked with youngsters for over 35 years and when they are given the right ammunition they can win any battle (metaphorically speaking). I think it may be time to have a debate on how we can get our youngsters out from behind their computers and into conversations, discussions and debates. If we don't, the next generation of businessmen and women in the U.K. will be at a distinct disadvantage in the global marketplace where oral communication skills are valued much more highly.

O.K.......that's my soap-box bit over!

Well, it's been another busy and interesting month. I began on the 1st of April with two Voice Protection workshops for an ASA (Amateur Swimming Association) Training Day in Chester then I spent a weekend adjudicating at the Bristol Festival. In Easter week I spoke at 4 Networking meetings in Sutton Coldfield & Leamington Spa and for Business Networking Clubs in Broughton Astley. Then it was relaxation time with two theatrical occasions - firstly a 6 hour marathon of parts 1 & 2 of 'His Dark Materials' by Phillip Pullman at the Birmingham Rep. This had received mixed reviews but Stewart & I thoroughly enjoyed it. Next it was off to the Belgrade, Coventry for Northern Broadsides production of 'Othello' starring Lennie Henry. Well, what a surprise, he can act and act Shakespeare too! This was a very fast-paced production which sometimes resulted in a lack of clarity I felt but it was also exciting and vibrant, which reminds me, I must let Barrie Rutter know I went - a long time ago he was a young director when I was in the National Youth Theatre and we had a long chat last year when he was speaking at a conference I attended.

Having got my theatre fix Stewart and I set off for a few days break in Lynmouth, Devon. Weather was mixed but we did lots of walking and cleared the passages (so to speak!). On the way back I killed two birds (not literally) by calling in at 4 networking headquarters in Taunton and working with two of the directors, Tamsen Grieg and Tim Johnson.

The weekend of 18th/19th was spent on a LAMDA training day for their new syllabus and an introduction to GODA (the Guild of Drama Adjudicators) in Worcester. I have been recommended to join their ranks by a past member and I am considering whether I have time to add this to my busy diary. I must admit that getting paid to spend your evenings watching and judging lots of plays does appeal!

I had 2 speaking engagements on the 21st April. The first was for 4 Networking again and then for the Federation of Small Businesses in Lutterworth. This was a busy week for workshops as I delivered an open 'Voice Matters' session in Solihull on the Wednesday. This was attended by 12 delegates and the feedback was terrific. On the Friday it was a bespoke full day for 8 trainers from STEPS at Birmingham City Council. Both days were highly successful and I continue to book my open sessions ahead. My second stage workshop 'Dynamic Speaking' has it's first outing on May 13th and I'll tell you about it next month.

The last week of the month was spent in Manchester examining for LAMDA but over the weekend I had some fun. First there was an excuse to put on the glad rags for the Mayor's St. George's Day Ball in Hinckley in aid of local charities. I was asked to contribute to the entertainment so found a funny poem about St. George & the Dragon which I delivered in a northern accent. I don't think I offended anyone! Then it was off to the theatre again - twice in one day! First it was to see 'The Royal Baccarat Scandal' at the Little Theatre, Leicester where 2 of my adult performing arts students were appearing (and very good they were too!) and then up the motorway to the Pomegranite Theatre, Chesterfield to see the last night of a professional tour of 'The Birthday Suite' in which one of my ex-students, Rebecca Noon, was playing a leading role. It is so gratifying to see someone making a living as an actor - not an easy task nowadays. She's off to London now to wait for the phone to ring.

A recent poll by an international development organisation asked businesses to list what they thought made a successful leader. Attributes included 'empowering', 'visionary', 'inspirational' and 'decisive' but these were all beaten to the top slot by 'communication skills'. The survey's findings suggested that whilst a leader's role was to inspire, their job was to communicate these values to others inside and outside their organisation.

It amazes me that so few business people realise what an important tool their voice can be in persuading and motivating. I shall continue my one-woman quest to train the world!"

tip of the month - only say what you mean & mean what you say!

A limerick (written by me...)
There was a great tutor of voice
Whose client made only a noise.
After twisters for tongue,
Breathing out on a hum
He has bought her a brand new
Rolls Royce!

We live in hope.....

Have a great month and don't forget:

Speak Wisely, Speak well, Speak Loud & Clear!


Contact Priscilla:
tel: 01455 230317
web: www.loudandclearuk.com

Goodbye Cassie.......

Some sad news to start this month. We had to have our lovely British tabby cat put to sleep aged 20. She was living a really happy life up to the end but we'll miss her.

For me it's been all work and no play! I took a look at my diary for March and I had only 1 day without working which is rather too much even for me. Thank goodness Easter is coming up and I intend having a few days off.

March is always a busy month for festivals and I have judged the speech & drama sections of three this year. I thought I might tell you about what this entails. I am one of about 50 national adjudicators in Speech & Drama. To become one you have to have extensive experience in all areas of oral communication and nowadays you train over about 18 months. When I began in 1991 you were invited to join the British Federation of Festivals and I have been fortunate to work in some interesting places. Festivals book you individually and I was the first British adjudicator in Bermuda. I have worked in Sri Lanka three times and their festivals can involve 6 weeks of travel all over the country. I go to Hong Kong every 2 years for their national festival which lasts for 5 weeks. There are numerous festivals in Britain and Ireland and during March I worked in Harrogate, Chester & Doncaster. Each festival offers a unique programme of performances and these are some of the areas I have judged this month:

• 1 Act Plays
• Musical Theatre Scenes
• Duologue Acting
• Humerous Verse
• Sonnets
• Solo Mime
• Shakespeare
• Group Improvisation
• Public Speaking
• Television Newscasting
• Prose Speaking

You can judge classes aged under 6 to open adult classes and they will be mixed up during the day. Each entrant is given an individual written report and mark. At the end of each class it is my job to entertain and inform the competitors & their audience to help them improve their skills for next year. So there you have it - a whistle-stop tour of an adjudicator's job.

I also examined in Southwold, Milton Keynes, Worcester and Cambridge for LAMDA which involved quite a lot of staying in hotels and earting too much!

My 4th 'Voice Matters!' took place at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester on 11 march and once again feedback was great. Just this morning one of the delegates told me the timing was excellent as he has been asked to appear on BBC Radio Leicester on Sunday - as an extra bonus he picked up 2 clients at the workshop so it paid for itself! I am encouraged to keep at it and therefore I have 2 more organised for 22 April, Hogarth's Hotel, Solihull and 16 June, Marriott Hotel.

Several businesses have been able to access the funding on offer from East Midlands Train to Gain to work with me. As you know I have been an approved training supplier with East Midlands Business Link for some time now but I'm delighted to tell you that I have also completed the assessment process for the West Midlands so businesses in Warks, Worcs, Birmingham etc. can now apply for funding to work with me in total confidence.

So what else did I get up to in March? I took a full day session on 'Voice Play' with 10 enthusiastic ladies at Ilkeston. This was run by the Erewash Partnership in collaboration with the East Midlands Development Authority and I am hoping to do further events for them in the near future. I also took my 'Voice Protection & Projection' workshop to Nottingham for the Amateur Swimming Association and was delighted when one attendant wrote on the evaluation form that "it was the best CPD course I have ever done". My interractive session on 'Marketing with your voice' was delivered to the Women in Management group, Leicester and I provided an inspirational talk on my business success for LeicstHERday at Wigston to around 40 ladies and 3 gentlemen! This was a half day session for people thinking about starting their own businesss and I am also hoping to provide a seminar for their annual conference in June.

Well I think that's quite enough for now except for:

Tip of the month
Just opening your mouth a little more than usual will really improve your clarity. Simple, but it works!

Speak Wisely, Speak well, Speak Loud & Clear!


Contact Priscilla:
tel: 01455 230317
web: www.loudandclearuk.com

DO YOU SUFFER FROM GLOSSOPHOBIA?

"What on Earth is that?" you may ask. Well, it's up there with divorce and death as being one of the moist stressful events in our lives.......

Glossophobia is the fear of PUBLIC SPEAKING!

I have met many executives for whom, this is a major headache but it needn't be an insoluable problem. Knowledge is power and if you understand how to use your voice to make your presentation memorable you will gain confidence and find it easier to control your nerves. So here are a few tips.....

1. Let your breath support your voice and control nerves
2. Open your mouth and let the sound out
3. Take your time - use pauses for structure
4. Prepare fully and PRACTICE

And if you're still worried come and see me. If you only ever do a one minute networking business introduction you still need to understand how you can impact on people and make yourself memorable. If you regularly train others or speak to groups this becomes essential knowledge but amazingly many people still get up in front of an audience without understanding how to use the voice persuasively. Don't be one of them!

Well, the snow certainly made a mess of plans in early February. I was lucky that my 'Voice Matters!' workshop on the 4th at Leicester occurred between two snow 'events' and we all managed to get there. One of the delegates was the C.E.O. of Rainbows children's charity in Leicester and I am delighted to say that we will now be continuing training to make him a confident ambassador for the charity.

I attended 11 networking events during the month to make contacts and 'spread the word'. This is an essential element of my business and enable me to generate new clients for 1-2-1 sessions and my open workshops. The result is that as I write this my next 'Voice Matters!' on 11 March at Leicester and 22 April at Solihull and the 'Dynamic Speaking' course on 13 May at Leicester are filling quickly.

I mentioned last month that I had become an approved supplier with Business Link and Train to Gain. This month we learned that funding is available in the East Midlands for businesses with only 2 partners which has really opened up the number of people we can help. We currently have a dozen businesses going through the process to receive free training and it all looks very hopeful. Do look at your own Business Link funding streams as there is plenty of funding available.

On 11 February I spent a great day training the managing director and senior managers of the Leicester Primary Care Trust (NHS) and I am hoping to continue the training later this year.

I enjoyed exhibiting at business events in Derby and Daventry during the month (although the feet complained a bit!). You always meet such a diverse group of people at open exhibitions and very often the first question is 'who do you work with?' - the answer, of course, is anybody.

I delivered another Voice Protection & Projection workshop for the ASA, this time in Colwyn Bay. I thoroughly enjoyed a women's inspirational session in Solihull run by Switched-On-Biz and completed my first morning of volunteering as a business helper for the Leicester Enterprise Business Company. This was such an interesting morning at Ratcliffe College where 14 & 15 year olds were given the task of designing, costing and marketing an ethical holiday village. They came up with some great ideas and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved. Well, the month wasn't all work but the 'play' turned out to be very focussed on ballroom dancing. We had an energetic evening at a Valentines Ball where the theme of hearts and roses resulted in some lovely dresses and interesting bow ties! Then I found myself at the NEC watching the last night of the Strictly Come Dancing tour. It was made memorable by the hilarious comments of Julian Clary - I would certainly recommend him if you get the chance to watch his one-man show. So, I'm girding my loins for a very busy March with 3 festivals to adjudicate, 7 days of examining, an evening speaking slot for Women in Management, 2 full day 'Voice Matters!' workshops and a half day Voice Protection session in Nottingham. Keep positive and make sure you continue to market your business wherever you can. The money is out there so look for the freebies and generate interest for yourself. I have individual clients coming from Worcester, London and Hampshire next week as well as East and West Midlands. If I can do it, so can you!

Good Luck!

And don't forget:

SPEAK WISELY
SPEAK WELL
SPEAK LOUD AND CLEAR!

Contact me:
Priscilla Morris
01455 230317
www.loudandclearuk.com

Outake from promotional DVD taken at a 'Voice Matters!' workshop

'SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT'

Hi Everyone,

This is the name of my latest short seminar which I have already delivered at several business meetings. Basically I'm saying that if you have a good business TELL PEOPLE! You can do this in many ways but at the moment using your VOICE AS A FREE MARKETING TOOL is the best bargain you'll get. This could not be more pertinent than for those recently unemployed and thinking about a fresh start as a business entrepreneur. BBC Breakfast recently featured how your chances of getting a job were affected by the way you talk. So, if you know anyone in this situation tell them that Loud & Clear is here to help. I've been out and about letting people know I exist and what I can offer in personal skills development. At the Probis club in Leicester I gave a 30 minute talk on my successful travels as an examiner and adjudicator. 'Something to shout about' was delivered at Solihull for a women's event arranged by Switched-on-Biz (www.switched-on.biz) and again at Long Eaton, Notts. for a women's Inspiration Day with 80 business ladies present. That day was organised by the Erewash Partnership and the East Midlands Development Agency. I am delighted to tell you that I have successfully gone through the accreditation process for becoming an approved trainer with the East Midlands Development Agency which means I am now on their register for any businesses that are seeking training through the brokerage service. It also means that businesses with 5 to 249 employees can approach Business Link for my services and apply for funding for training. I've already received some interest and hope this will really boost my profile in the Est Midlands. I have also been asked to provide more seminars for EMDA at events in March.

At last I have got around to gaining my Equity card! Although I trained as an actress nearly 40 years ago I never applied but last year my professional speaking resulted in sufficient contracts to qualify and the membership card arrived last week. So, if anyone still needed proof that I am an inspirational speaker they now have it! N.B. Some spaces are still available in my diary this year for conferences, ladies luncheons, after dinner entertainment etc. so why not give me a try?

I delivered the first of this year's 'Voice Protection & Projection' workshops for the Amateur Swimming Association' in Preston with 20 swimming teachers and coaches attending. These workshops are CPD accredited training and gain credits for the participants. I already have another booked in Conway and 2 workshops for a swimming conference in Cheshire this Spring.

I had an article published in the Leicester Chamber of Commerce News in January entitled 'Be Vocal to Achieve Success' which I hope will give readers a pep talk to start the New Year. I very much enjoyed the launch meeting for LeicestHERday at the National Space Centre. The main event will take place in June and I am hoping to be directly involved in some way. This has become a major event in Leicester with input from Patricia Hewitt and the first female Asian lord Mayor in the country, Manjula Sood. As you know I work with all kinds of business people 1-2-1 at my Hinckley base and I am now attracting interest from all over the UK. During January I began work with the owner of an IT company in Hampshire and Brad Burton, the charismatic founder of 4Networking (www.4networking.biz)who hails from Somerset. My next 'Voice Matters!' workshop took place on 4 February and I'm delighted to tell you that it was full.(see some samples of feedback below)

Currently you can book for the following workshops on line at www.loudandclearauk.com
11th March, Marriott Hotel, Leicester - 'Voice Matters!'
22 April, Corus Hotel, Solihull - 'Voice Matters!'
13th May, Marriott Hotel, Leicester - 'Dynamic Speaking' with filmed presentations before & after.

Tip of the month: SMILE !!

You'll make the right impression & you'll cheer people up - it works even if you're on the phone!

And don't forget:

Speak Wisely
Speak Well

Speak Loud & Clear!

Web: www.loudandclearuk.com
email: info@loudandclearuk.com
Tel/fax: 01455 230317

Feedback hot off the press:

"I found the course enjoyable & interesting. There are a lot of things we take for granted with our voice that, with practice we can improve."

"An enjoyable day. I learnt a lot about inflection, delivery & projection. Thank you"

"A valuable tool that I have not given enough thought to previously"

"I would recommend voice training to anybody. Making positive use of your voice is a vital marketing tool when looking to promote your business"

"A great day. Has given me a better understanding of the power of the voice and is a step towards the on-going development of my communication skills"

"For people new to, or those who wish to improve basic speaking skills, a great workshop"

Happy 2009 everyone,

I think it must be my age but last year seemed to go extremely fast! Thank you so much to those of you who responded to our 'pep talk' in the December blog. It seems we hit on just the right note for some of you and I hope encouraged the spirit of optimism we intended. Remember 'when the going gets tough, the tough get going'!

I have not really been taking my own medicine during December as I have given myself a month off work for a much needed holiday and the Christmas celebrations. Before we left on December 5th I fitted in a trip to London to meet my Voice Care Network colleague, Phil Bliss, who is very active in voice coaching in the capital and Norway. I am looking forward to some collaborations in the future.

December saw my first attendance at a meeting of the Institute of Directors. This was part social, part business and held at T.M. Lewin's shirt company in the new Highcross Centre, Leicester. Over a glass of wine and nibbles I renewed old business acquaintances and made some interesting new ones. I am looking forward to attending many events next year.

My next theatre visit was to see '84 Charing Cross Road' at the Concordia Theatre, Hinckley. This play explores the real life relationship between an American authoress and an antiquarian bookseller in London between the late 40's and the 1970's. The leading performances were excellent and I would recommend the play (and film) to any of you who have not seen it. I got my own Christmas performances off to a start with some readings at a Ladies Luncheon Club in Hinckley.

Then it was off to a fortnight in the sun..... which is where the interesting photo this month comes in! These two fellows are Mona Monkeys. They live on the island of Grenada where they have become opportunists....as you shall hear.

We were on a mini-bus tour up in to the interior of the island which is lush rainforest when our driver stopped off at a roadside stall to buy some bananas. Were they his lunch we wondered? Well, no, they were for something much more specific! When we arrived at the national park our driver suggested we follow him and as he approached a grove of trees out popped these two monkeys who happily took the bananas from his hands. There were several other buses there but none had a 'close encounter' like us. The monkeys had learnt that this particular driver would arrive most days at a set time and would feed them if they posed for the cameras - so they happily sat and let us get quite close for a minute or two then they disappeared back into the rainforest. They were prepared to fraternise with the enemy (i.e. humans) for a worthwhile reward but they remained independent and wild and chose whether to appear and 'perform' or not. So, let us use that as this month's business tip. Look for new opportunities and possibilities. Don't wait for things to land in your lap. Be prepared to go out and try something new. Throw caution to the wind and put yourself on the line. Let people know you are there and what you can offer. Get NETWORKING at every opportunity whether you are an early riser (breakfast) or a mid-day person (lunch) or you prefer early evening after work. There are lots of opportunities and people can't do business with you if they don't know you are there. I have personally found BNC (www.businessnetworkingclubs.co.uk) particularly helpful but I know that BNI (www.bni.co.uk) and 'The Business Club' (www.the-businessclub.org) are also highly thought of by members. Business women may like to look at WiM (www.managers.org.uk) of which I am a member or WiBN (www.wibn.co.uk) which has many branches in the Midlands and beyond. All of these organisations will make you very welcome and help you to increase your business contacts - GOOD LUCK!

On the day I got back from the Caribbean I was performing again (I'm a glutten for punishment!). I presented an evening of Festive Readings with 3 acting friends in the bar at the Concordia Theatre. £150 was raised for the development fund and the mulled wine and mince pies were devoured with glee. Remember that I am available for speaking and perfoming (my one-woman show) anywhere so give me a call.

I told you last month that I would give you further information about my new Team Building course. It occurred to me that my professional training as an actress was something that I should use more in my business work so I intend to create an interesting day by using scenarios and texts from Shakespeare and other playwrights to build team awareness and leadership. No performance skills will be needed but there will be challenging problems to solve and a great deal of fun as delegates use techniques created by Shakespeare for his actors over 400 years ago to produce modern story lines and perform their devised pieces under the guidance of their leader/director. I am very excited by the prospect this new course offers and hope to have the opportunity to try it out very soon.

So, what does 2009 have in store for me? Well, I am very optimistic with workshops for the Leicester NHS, Birmingham City Council, the ASA in Preston and Conway already in the diary together with a seminar for the Erewash Partnership's women's event in Long Eaton and speaking engagements at Probus (Leicester), Switched-on-Biz at Solihull and Women in Management (Leicester). Then I have my 'Voice Matters!' public booking workshops on February 4th (still I place left!) and March 11th (note change of date). These are at the Marriott Hotel, Leicester (adjacent to junction 21 of the M1) and details can be found on my website: www.loudandclearuk.com/Voice-Workshops.aspx. I am also looking at delivering my first public workshop in Warwickshire - would you be interested?

Next will be my first 'Dynamic Speaking' 2 day course. Provisional dates are May 13th & 14th. This will include filming before and after and will only be available for 8 delegates (ideally they will have attended a 'Voice Matters' session and have the basic vocal knowledge). Again, please let us know ASAP if you are interested. So, let's get out there and do some business!

All the best. See you in February and remember: Speak Wisely, Speak well, Speak Loud & Clear!

Contact Priscilla:

www.loudandclearuk.com

info@loudandclearuk.com