She patiently sat in her chintz wingback chair whilst I recited my monologue or character piece of the week. She corrected my errors of memory, pronunciation, intonation and timing; and I repeated and repeated and repeated until she was satisfied I had given my best.
From her, I learned to break a seemingly huge task such as memorising a script into small steps and to practice and to be patient.
One day, as my time with her was drawing to an end as I was soon to enter University, she recited to me her 14 Rules in the Art of Public Speaking. She insisted I write them down so I would never forget them; and some forty years later I still have them and find them relevant even today.
- In any public speaking, remember your voice must register whatever feeling or emotion you wish to portray.
- Never act - you feel and live every character and situation your portray.
- An audience must be made to feel your thoughts, your opinions and your decisions, even though their eyes are closed and they cannot see your facial or body movements.
- In portraying characters, your voice must register instant change: carrying your audience from one character to another.
- Believe what you say in public to any audience, or else do not say it.
- Demand attention!
- Be completely at ease and poised no matter what situation you find yourself.
- Banish nervousness and fear. It is entirely useless no matter what anyone tells you. It is unnecessary. If you have something that is worth listening to, the power and ability will be there to say it.
- Remember people are only people.
- To be a successful public speaker, you must love people and desire their highest good.
- In addressing any audience, pleasantness is essential.
- Your appearance should be the best.
- Never denounce any race or religion. Diplomacy is essential.
- Be gracious, cultivate poise, know your subject and above all be sincere.