Speak Easy, Join Your Community Theatre
by Andy Wilkinson
SMASHWORDS EDITION
Copyright 2011 by Andy Wilkinson
Speak Easy, Join Your Community Theater
Public speaking is not a natural act for most people. It is a skill and therefore can be learned and improved on with practice and training. In all my years as teacher, sermonizer, actor and playwright, I have never seen anyone who could take the stage for the first time and be totally natural and confident.
My first engagement was to give a fifteen minute presentation to a church group of one-hundred twenty people. I was so terrified I couldn’t get a deep breath and occasionally one of my audience members would encourage me to SPEAK UP. I eventually got past this traumatic episode but I have learned there are less frightening ways to get initiated in this rewarding craft.
If speaking for an audience is in your future I have a suggestion that can help you be prepared and actually enjoy the experience: Get involved with your local community theatre. It’s a great way to break the ice and get your feet wet in a less intimidating environment.
One of the best first steps is to audition for a play. Even if you’re not interested in getting a part, participating in this process will help you open up and build the confidence you need to be an effective and entertaining speaker. The beauty of this setting is that you have a sympathetic audience; the other auditioners. So you can relax and be yourself. And there will always be other novices so you won’t be facing the nerve wracking challenge alone. You will also be participating with experienced actors and directors who are more than happy to give advice and constructive criticism to beginners.