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From: Alan Badmington
Date: 10/22/03
Time: 4:31:20 PM
Remote Name: 195.92.67.68
Hi Brent,
Thank you for contributing. Here is my interpretation of what is happening:
When you are acting on stage, you adopt a different persona. You become someone else - you are no longer Brett Raymond. It is quite acceptable for this other party to speak assertively, use a deeper voice, display emotion etc.
Yet, I suspect that Brett would feel too self-conscious and ill at ease when speaking in this more extrovert manner. You are unable to accept such behaviour as part of yourself.
Have you read John Harrison's book, "How to conquer your fears of speaking before people"? The initial chapter is devoted to exercises that we can undertake in order to widen our self-image They involve projecting our voices, pausing, claiming our space, showing emotions etc., and were originally intended for persons attending National Stuttering Association chapters in the US.
The book has since been enlarged immensely to explain the Stuttering Hexagon concept, and incorporates numerous essays by John. There are also contributions by persons (including myself)who have sustained speech gains over a considerable period.
The contents of the book are outlined on the NSA website at:
http://www.nsastutter.org/books/conquer.html
I feel that the reason you are more at home speaking to middle school students is that you are in a position of authority. I suspect that High School students would be more challenging because they are less inclined to respect your authority.
One final point (which relates to both the acting and teaching situation) - when you are STANDING before a group, they are giving you the authority to be in charge. You command that speaking situation. Addressing a group when seated is, generally, more difficult.
Just my two cents!
Kindest regards
Alan