Public Speaking International specializes in training techniques rooted in theatrical performance. Actors understand better than anyone in the world how to move audiences. As former professional actors, we use the same approach for getting you to deliver effective performances in your world.
Here are some of the theater-based techniques featured in PSI’s executive coaching and group workshops:
- Stage Presence and Authenticity. The most important of all business training techniques based in the theater. When you speak in situations that matter (and shouldn’t they all be?), what makes you successful is the fullness of your communication. In speaking powerfully you draw upon all of your means of expression: physical presence, voice, gestures, and story, along with the rest of your content. You must not think your job as a speaker is to convey information. It’s never that. Instead, it’s to give audiences the complete you joined with your urgent message. To speak successfully, you need to know the techniques of effective performance. At PSI, that’s our passion, expertise, and goal with you.
- Diaphragmatic Breathing. Most of us breathe shallowly. To project a strong presence, however (and to reach the back of a large room), diaphragmatic breathing is necessary. This type of “belly breathing” produces full, resonant sound that has the voice of authority. It’s the ideal method of breathing for persuasive and influential speaking.
- Focused Relaxation for Thinking on Your Feet. Being relaxed is nice, but not if you have all the strength of a cooked noodle! Focused relaxation, on the other hand, combines calmness with strength. Actors need to stay loose but poised, ready to respond with power while making it all look easy. Like an animal about to spring, they know not to waste an ounce of energy. When your energy is that focused, you can think on your feet and respond effectively to what audiences are giving you.
- Being Present in the Moment. Presence is a term that’s used a lot. In terms of the stage, presence means being “there” for one’s fellow actors. Contrary to popular belief, not every performance is exactly the same. By paying attention and being completely in the moment, the actor can react with full concentration. The result is a performance that’s much more attuned to what others are giving you—just what your business audience is interested in.
- Improvisation. Few tools of the theater are as enjoyable as improv. We use this tool to help professionals think quickly and act appropriately. For team-building and responding to clients’ questions and challenges, there’s no substitute for training that includes improvisation. You never know what’s coming your way when you speak. We’ll help you prepare to not only survive but thrive in your important speaking situations.
- Beats and Intentions. This is one of the most interesting applications of theater techniques to the business world. Actors pay close attention to the motives and intentions that drive a character’s behavior. There are intentions for the entire play, a single scene, and for “beats” within each scene. We show you how to use this important tool to decide exactly what you want from others. When you’re this clear on your purpose, you own a powerful strategic tool for getting audiences to think, feel, and do what you want them to.
- Vocal Dynamics. Want to learn how to influence others when you speak? To get people to trust you? To hook listeners’ attention and keep them engaged every minute of your talk? To inspire them with your vision and leadership? If these things are important to you, learn how to use your voice. It’s the most subtle communication tool you own. Not everyone can be a great orator, but each of us can improve our vocal skills for speaking successfully.
- Body Expressiveness. Standing and moving with authority can make the difference between a mediocre presentation and a memorable one. Powerful speakers look the part as well as sound that way. There’s no way around it: good nonverbal communication is essential for successful speaking. We’ll guide you through the fascinating world of using movement to strengthen your presence and influence. You’ll enjoy our techniques for “getting out of your head and into your body.”
- Role-Playing and Simulations. Facing a high-stakes presentation, interview, sales pitch, or client meeting? Participating in campaign debates or media appearances? Need to prepare for a crisis response or challenging Q & A? For these situations and others, role-playing and simulations are essential. As theater professionals, we’ll set up role-playing scenarios as close as possible to the real thing. You’ll be ready, set, and good to go. And we’ll enjoy doing it as much as stepping on stage ourselves. Well, almost.
- Storytelling. Delivering information is one thing . . . telling a story is another. If you want to connect with listeners and get them to tune in to what you’re saying, tell a story. Stories are filled with drama and they’re all about people, which is why everyone responds positively to them. You’ll learn how to “find your true voice” through personal stories, and to use anecdotes that show your connection to your material. It’s a powerful technique for letting audiences know how committed you are to your message and your listeners.
- Using Language. The greatest writer who ever lived was a dramatist, and there’s no one like Shakespeare for teaching us about the power of language. We’ll help bring your imagination to life where the language of your speeches and presentations is concerned. You’ll learn to speak with more color and impact, and you’ll discover how the sounds of words are related to their meaning. Vivid and powerful language can make a presentation sing! Let us help you give that kind of performance when the curtain goes up.