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FAQs
Voice and Speech
Q: Do you teach “elocution”?
A: This is a term which has largely gone out of fashion. Its original meaning was “the art of speaking clearly and well, with correct enunciation” (Encarta Dictionary). It tends not to be used nowadays since it has accrued connotations of snobbishness and learning to “talk posh”, which is not what Teachers of Speech and Drama teach. We do, however, still teach clear and attractive speech.
Q: What is “RP”?
A: Short for “Received Pronunciation” (in the past variously known as “BBC English”, “Oxford accent” or “The Queen’s English”), it is the accepted standard pronunciation of English not associated with any particular region.
Q: I have a regional accent. Should I try to get rid of it?
A: It depends on your motivation. I wouldn’t normally try to change a regional accent except where it might affect clarity. If you are training to be an actor, however, being able to produce an “RP” accent when required is a very useful skill and is also useful when learning other accents as received pronunciation is usually used as the general point of reference.
Some people feel that their career prospects would improve if they could reduce or eliminate their regional accent and learn to speak “RP”. Although in an egalitarian society this should not be the case I am afraid the reality is that prejudice against certain regional accents still persists, albeit unconsciously.
Q: I am a non-native English speaker and although I have lived in the UK for some time and my English is good people sometimes have trouble understanding my accent. Could you help me to improve my pronunciation?
A: Yes, I’d be very happy to help if I can. I have previously taught people from Kenya, South Africa, Argentina, Peru, Russia, France, Iran, India, Sri Lanka, The Netherlands and Hong Kong. I’m always happy to take on a new challenge!
Q: How long would it take me to change the way I speak?
A: It depends on what aspect of your speech or your voice you are trying to change. If you have a common speech fault, for instance a sibilant ‘S’ or confusion of “TH” sounds with “F” or “V” (farver for father or fink for think), you may achieve your goal slightly sooner than someone who is trying to change a heavy regional or foreign accent. However, it is very important to note that changing any aspect of your speech is not something that can happen overnight or without a great deal of constant, careful practice. We do not talk about the “force” of habit for nothing. Habits, including speech habits, are virtually hard wired into the brain over many years and are therefore no longer under our conscious control. We need to reprogramme the motor centre of our brain to move our speech organs in a different and unfamiliar pattern to the one that is programmed in and that takes a lot of time and effort. A well motivated student who is diligent in his or her practice can eventually achieve the desired goal but the actual time taken to do it is impossible to predict.
Q: Is it possible to get voice training over the phone?
A: Some voice coaches do offer telephone training. Personally I cannot see how it can be done. To understand how you are producing your voice and articulating your speech I need to be able to see you and possibly, with your permission, even to touch you. I need to look at your posture, your stance, your breathing, your head position, how loose your jaw is and many other aspects of your physicality which can only be assessed visually.
Q: I am due to give a speech at a wedding and I’m terrified as I’ve never done such a thing before. Could you help me?
A: Yes, I can teach you how to control your nerves, how to stand, breathe and use your voice well and so that it’s a pleasure to listen to. I can also give you some help with structuring your speech. Contact me as soon as you know the date of the wedding.
Q: Do you only help with wedding speeches or can you help with other public speaking situations?
A: Yes, if you have to give a speech at the annual Cricket Club or Golf Club dinner, a business presentation or any other social or business speaking situation I’ll be happy to help in any way I can.
Q: I understand that you give individual tuition in public speaking, but where can I get practice in speaking to a group of people?
A: Find your local Toastmasters International Speakers Club. In my area it is the Brighton and Hove Speakers Club. We meet twice a month at the English Language Centre in Hove. More information is available on the website: http://brightonhove.freetoasthost.org Clubs in other areas can be found via the Toastmasters International site: www.toastmasters.org .
Q: I run a small business and would like to arrange some presentation skills training for a small number of staff. Would you be able to undertake this for us?
A: I’d be happy to help if I can. Please contact me for details of bespoke group seminars and workshops.
Q: What sort of people come to you for voice and speech training?
A: Sometimes just private individuals who want to work on their voices for various reasons – to change or reduce an accent, overcome a particular speech fault, develop a stronger and more impressive voice or to improve their public speaking or presentation skills. Often, however, individual students are sent by their employers because they are professional voice users, broadcasters, radio or TV presenters or have jobs which bring them into close contact with the public and need to develop their communication skills or their presentation skills. Sometimes I am called into an organisation to conduct group training. Some organisations who have used my services include:
BBC South Today
Cherrywood Investments (Stanmer House)
University College Chichester (Department of Education)
The National Operatic and Dramatic Association
The Academy of Creative Training, Brighton
Northbrook College, Worthing (Adult and Continuing Education Dept)
Q: I am currently on a teacher training course and have started my teaching practice, but I find I am having trouble with my voice. Sometimes by the end of the day I am quite hoarse. I have been told that this is an “occupational hazard” and that I will get used to it. Is this true, or do you think I should be worried?
A: It is NOT true that any voice problems encountered by teachers, whether they are training or experienced, should be ignored. If you have any problem at all you should see your GP and unless there is an infection to account for your voice loss you should be referred to your nearest Voice Clinic. Don’t let your GP fob you off with antibiotics unless you are sure that the problem is an infection. If you are producing light yellow to green mucus this could indicate an infection. If, however, you are producing mucus which is clear it could be a sign of vocal damage. Many dedicated teachers are having to retire early due to permanent vocal damage caused by years of neglecting their vocal health. You can find a lot more information on voice care from Voice Care Network UK and the British Voice Association. I am a VCNUK approved Voice Tutor and would be absolutely delighted to provide Voice Awareness lectures to any Educational Institute which provides Teacher Training. If this is not available as part of your course, please lobby your course provider to include it. Failing this, please contact me to arrange some private tuition so I can help you to use your voice safely. Please also see the Free Info Voice Care page.
Q: I am not a teacher but I am in a job where I use my voice quite intensively and sometimes suffer from voice fatigue. Can you help me too?
A: Yes. All the advice given for teachers (see above) applies to any professional or vocational voice users, eg: lecturers, barristers, auctioneers, clergy, lay preachers, politicians, call centre workers, instructors (especially swimming instructors), amateur actors (professionals should have been appropriately trained by a voice coach) and anyone else who uses their voice intensively and/or for long periods.
Drama
Q: What will I learn in my acting lessons?
A: Having already learned the basics of voice production and speech (see above), you will go on to learn how to portray a character using these and various other acting skills such as movement, empathy, eye contact, etc. You will also learn basic stage craft and how to identify and use the different stage areas.
Q: Can you help me to audition for a place on an acting course or at drama school?
A: Yes, I can arrange a course of private lessons for you, during which I can help you to choose suitable audition pieces and work on them systematically to achieve the best standard possible. You need to contact me as soon as you decide to apply for a place on a course. People often underestimate the time they need to spend in preparation. Most training institutions have their own specifications about what they want you to prepare. You need to find out what they are as soon as possible.
Q: What is “The Method” in acting.
A: It is a style of acting developed originally from the methods of Konstantin Stanislavski (or Constantin Stanislavsky as his name is also spelled). Put simply, one does not try to express emotions purely by adopting their outward signs but by identifying personally with the thoughts and feelings of the character.
It is debatable whether anyone can actually “become” another character when trying to inhabit a role. We cannot interact with our environment, other people or our situation in any way which is outside our own experience. What we need to do is employ what Stanislavski often called the “magic if”. In other words, one asks the question “How would I feel if this was really happening to me and how would I react to it?” The result is a creation which is partly the playwright’s and partly your own. This is also often called “empathy” in acting. It is also the reason why you can watch quite different portrayals of the same character in the same scene played by two different actors, both of which will be equally valid.
It is interesting to note that Stanislavski himself never talked about “The Method”, although he sometimes referred to “my methods”. His ideas were developed in the USA by the Actor’s Studio in New York and have produced notable “Method” screen actors such as Rod Steiger, Marlon Brando, Montgomery Clift, James Dean, Dustin Hoffman and Al Pacino. There is a very interesting article about the differences in method acting for the theatre and as it has been developed for the screen at http://www.slate.com/id/2096421/ .
Speech and Drama Examinations
Q: Why do you insist on your students taking a LAMDA examination in The Speaking of Verse and Prose before taking one in Acting?
A: Because you cannot act if you cannot speak well. What’s the point in acting your socks off on stage if no-one can hear you beyond the second row? The Verse and Prose examination syllabus teaches you the basic theory behind good voice production and speech and also to appreciate the different techniques required for speaking verse and prose. All actors need to be able to speak verse, unless, of course, you are going to avoid attempting any classical drama. Even so, learning to speak verse teaches you an appreciation of the English language and especially the spoken word which is invaluable for good dramatic performance.
Q: What is the difference between verse and prose?
A: The basic difference on the page is that prose is the ordinary form of written and spoken language. It is normally arranged in sentences and paragraphs and in English reads from the left to the right of the page. Verse may be arranged in various patterns. It may be divided into stanzas (sometimes called verses), but not necessarily so. There will usually be a recognisable rhythm which may be stronger in some pieces of verse than others. There are specific techniques required in speaking verse.
Q: What is LAMDA?
A: LAMDA is the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. LAMDA Examinations is an examining body for public graded examinations in Speech and Drama and is accredited by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA). Further information and a syllabus is available from the LAMDA Examinations Website: www.lamda.org.uk/exams . LAMDA will also provide a list of LAMDA qualified teachers on request.
Q: Where are the LAMDA examinations held and how often?
A: In the Sussex area, where I am based, the examination centre is at Clair Hall, Haywards Heath. Examinations are also held at the Academy itself in Baron’s Court, London, and at various regional centres throughout the UK and abroad. Examinations are held each academic term. Further information and a syllabus is available from the LAMDA Examinations Website: www.lamda.org.uk/exams .
Q: What are the RADA Shakespeare Certificates?
A: RADA (The Royal Academy of Dramatic Art) have fairly recently started to offer these public examinations. You must be 16 or over to take them. They are available for individuals or groups and are graded at bronze, silver and gold level. All the examinations involve learning some Shakespearean texts, including dramatic verse, prose and something from the sonnets or one of the longer poems. The dramatic texts are to be performed as acted scenes. More information is available from the RADA website: http://rada.org/certificates .
Q: What will I/my child need to prepare for an examination in the Speaking of Verse and Prose?
A: This differs at different grades, but at most grades the performance of two memorised pieces of text is required. At Entry and Grade One these will be two contrasting poems. At Grade Two and above one piece will be verse and the other prose. At Grade Four and above a sight-reading piece is also introduced. This may be either verse or prose. From Grade 7 (silver medal) a piece of Shakespearean text is introduced. The candidate is then asked some verbal theory questions appropriate to the grade. There is no written test. More detailed information is available in the LAMDA Examinations syllabus, which is available on the website: www.lamda.org.uk/exams .
Q: What will I/my child need to prepare for an examination in Acting?
A: At Entry level, one memorised scene and from Grade One two memorised scenes which will be performed as a piece of acting. From Grade 7 (silver medal) three scenes are required. The candidate is then asked some verbal questions appropriate to the grade about the characters and the scenes and the plays from which they are taken. More detailed information is available in the LAMDA Examinations syllabus, which is available on the website: www.lamda.org.uk/exams .
Q: How long will it be before I/my child can take an examination?
A: This will vary according to the age of the student, the grade to be taken and whether the student has already had any relevant experience or training, but certainly no sooner than at the end of the second term. The first term always deals with the basics of voice production: posture, stance, relaxation, breathing, resonance, articulation and modulation. Assuming all those topics have been covered satisfactorily, then we will start to look at possible pieces to be prepared for the first examination. I will not enter anyone for an examination who has not learned their memorised pieces by the entry date and will never enter anyone for any examination unless I feel confident that they have the potential to pass it.
Q: What recognition will I/my child get for passing a speech and drama examination?
A: For the graded examinations LAMDA awards certificates classified as pass, merit or distinction, depending on the number of marks gained. At Grades 6, 7 and 8 a bronze, silver and gold medal is also awarded. The LAMDA examinations are acredited by the Qualifications Curriculum Authority and from 2008 the Advanced Level ones (Grades 6, 7 and 8) will count towards UCAS credits for students applying for higher education courses. RADA awards Bronze, Silver and Gold level Shakespeare certificates only.
Q: What other subjects could I/my child take examinations in?
A: There are various other speech and drama subjects, including Reading for Performance, Mime, Devised Theatre, Spoken English (including English as a Foreign Language) and Public Speaking. More detailed information is available in the LAMDA Examinations syllabus, which is available on the website: www.lamda.org.uk/exams .
General
Q: How do I know that it is safe to leave my child with a Speech and Drama teacher for a private lesson?
A: All qualified Teachers of Speech and Drama should hold an enhanced clearance certificate from the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB).
Q: How do I know if a Speech and Drama teacher is suitably qualified to teach me or my child?
A: A qualified teacher should show the designation of his/her qualification after his/her name on all publicity and stationery, EG: LLAM, ATCL, LTCL, LGSMD, etc., and should have their teaching diploma displayed or available for inspection. Most qualified teachers belong to the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama. A member of the STSD must be both qualified and CRB cleared in order to join the Society as a full member. More information can be found on the STSD website: www.stsd.org.uk . A list of qualified teachers by region is also available via this website.
Q: How long is a private lesson?
A: Usually half an hour or sometimes one hour, depending on what is being studied and the preferences of the student.
Q: How many people do you teach at a time?
A: Private lessons are just that; a private lesson on a one to one basis. If two or more students wish to share a private lesson special arrangements can be made regarding the length of the lesson and the fee.
Q: What are your fees and how are they normally paid?
A: Most teachers keep their fees information confidential but the information is available on request. I will be happy to e-mail you a guidance document regarding my fees and lesson structure. Just e-mail your request to: magihall@btopenworld.com . Most lessons, especially Speech and Drama ones, are arranged by the academic term, although all my terms are ten weeks in duration, regardless of the length of the current school/college term. The whole term’s fee is normally requested at the first lesson and I require one complete term’s notification of withdrawal. If desired, extra lessons can be arranged during the summer vacation to fit around holiday arrangements. Any lessons extra to the normal term time ones may be paid for individually by the lesson.
Q: How do I enrol for lessons?
A: Enrolment is by completion of an enrolment form and payment of the first term’s fee.
Q: How do I know whether private lessons would be the right thing for me or my child?
A: You don’t need to commit yourself to anything until we have met. I offer all prospective students a free consultation session of up to half an hour during which I can assess the individual’s needs and you can ask questions before making your decision.
Q: Can I be present during my child’s private lesson?
A: I do not encourage this except possibly in the case of a very young child for the first one or two lessons only. The child needs to have full confidence in the teacher and to be free from any inhibitions or distractions which might be caused by the presence of a parent. I also need to be free to teach the subject I am qualified to teach without the possibility of interference.
Do you have any questions which aren't covered here? Why not e-mail them to me? If I think it's appropriate I will post the question and the answer on this page.
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