Improve your speaking voice: taster
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- Start Date: 29 Jan 2026End Date: 29 Jan 2026Thu (Daytime): 16:00 - 17:30In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £19.00 Concession £19.00
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What is the course about?
Learn some basic tips how to improve the quality of your voice for increased confidence in communication, with focus on relaxation, breath technique and articulation.
What will we cover?
Relaxation, breath technique, articulation and their application to some text.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Identify ways in which you can demonstrate more confidence in your voice.
Display an awareness of the technique of using your breath.
Practise articulation exercises to improve clarity and diction.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
For anyone who would like to be more confident with their voice; beginners are welcome.
In order to get the most from the course you will be able to:
• Speak English fluently.
• Communicate in group situations.
• Give and receive constructive feedback.
• Read and respond to a range of texts.
• Take course notes for your own use.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Practical exercises; wear loose clothing so you can move about freely.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You should have a notebook and pen and a small hand mirror.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
This taster will prepare you to join full length courses such as Improve Your Speaking Voice (DVP047); Voice Technique: Beginners and Communicate with Confidence.
Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.
Giles Abbott began training in Voice in 2002 as a development of his work with voice as a professional storyteller. He began his career in Storytelling in 1999 in response to the sudden and serious, but not total, sight-loss he suffered in 1998. Now registered he says, "in losing sight, I found my love of voice & of teaching!". Giles took his Masters in Voice Studies from Central School Of Speech & Drama in 2004-5 and since then he has devised & delivered Voice courses at different levels for Birkbeck College 2006-12, Arts Ed. 2006-8, Identity School of Acting 2018 and City Lit ongoing. His first degree was in English Language & Literature, St Catherine's College, Oxford, 1991-3 but that, he says, seems a very long time ago. In Voice he is able to unite his love of written text with his post-blindness love of speech and spoken word. He says now, "It's what I should have been doing all along but I had to go blind to see it".
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.