Ignite Possibilities, an online keynote series run by ICC Advanced Toastmasters Club, conducted its successful 11th segment. Famous voice coach, professional classical singer and artist Andrew P Bennett from London gave a scintillating demonstration on synchronising voice culture and modulation.
Bennett, who has appeared at the world’s greatest festivals in Europe, Asia and South America, has faced the challenge of using his voice in an opera while standing on a tiny platform 15m above the stage and alsolying flat on his back on stage.
As a qualified public speaking and voice coach he has shared his vocal know-how with people of many cultures in varied contexts – conference centres, theatres and recording studios. Many of the speakers he has coached have gained medals and diplomas in public speaking as well as enjoying professional and competition success.
Division G Toastmasters International director Alar Mel Mangai reported that the session started with basic warm up exercises for voice clarity and to bring in vocal variety. Bennett taught the audience some simple exercises before speaking. He also showed the audience proper standing/ sitting postures, breathing techniques, how to play with sound, vocal flexibility and range. Later he divided the audience into groups and assigned some vocal exercises to be practiced and be evaluated by team members in the break out rooms. The entire session was interactive and engaging to the audience who were glued to the screen.
The final Q & A session had pertinent questions wherein the presenter gave some useful and handy tips to the audience.
Here is the summary of tips which can be used as a warmup before one speaks: always remember your voice only works well if there is humidity; speakers should always carry a bottle of water and take regular sips during warmup; water should be available on the platform during presentations.
All the exercises in the warmup routine are performed gently and slowly; diction and voice clarity is more important than accent; use pauses than filler words.
Bennett then shared a set of vocal exercises the audience could practice later.
The session was anchored by hostess Vanessa Pereira. Attendees included many dignitaries across the globe.
 
 
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