Elocution lessons might sound a little out-of-date and archaic, but thanks to advancements in technology, working on your elocution is now considered one of the best approaches for speech improvement, public speaking growth and/or accent softening.

What are elocution lessons?

Speech and elocution lessons lessons focus on developing your speech, with a particular emphasis on articulation, diction, pronunciation, and communication skills. In addition to this, they can also include softening or reducing a client’s accent to Received Pronunciation (RP). Elocution is all about having a better command of the English language, which is an incredibly valuable skill no matter what profession you are in. It can, of course, be tailored to the individual’s needs, with the goal of improving the clarity and intelligibility of their speech.

The importance of elocution has been recognised by many different organisations, including the British Council. They have developed a number of resources to help people elocution, including a range of online tutorials, free downloadable material and even classes. Elocution lessons can be a great way to boost your confidence, refine your public speaking skills, and even help you land that dream job. With the right guidance and resources, you can make dramatic improvements speak and be heard with clarity and conviction.

How can elocution lessons help me?

There are a lot of different ways that speech and elocution lessons lessons can help, depending on what your aims and goals are for coaching. It can help you to improve your communication skills by teaching you how to speak with a greater level of clarity and confidence. You can also learn how to project your voice, so you can be heard better in larger settings, such as boardrooms or classrooms. Elocution lessons can also help you to build your vocabulary, reduce your accent and refine your pronunciation. Finally, it can help you to understand the structure of the English language and to be more aware of your intonation and inflection.

The important benefits of elocution coaching include, but are not limited to:

• Articulation improvement
• Diction improvement
• Vocabulary development
• Confidence building
• Body language awareness
• Accent softening/reduction/neutralisation
• Pronunciation improvement
• Public speaking skills building
• Negotiation skills building
• Communication skills building
• Presentation skills building
• Interview technique improvement

This list is not exhaustive, but it is important that you know the difference between elocution lessons and Speech & Language Therapy. You can check out our article on this here to get a better understanding of the two terms.

Where do elocution lessons come from?

Elocution was previously considered one of the five core disciplines of pronunciation, and originated from the 18th Century. One of the early pioneers of elocution was Thomas Sheridan, who taught lectures on the subject, giving direction on how one should read and speak aloud passages of text. Elocution is a type of speech that is well-loved and well-respected by many people, and it is considered to be one of the most important parts of pronunciation.

Fast forward to the 20th century, and elocution lessons were common place in most school settings to help improve the speech of their students – a blackboard, chalk, drills and a stick come to mind! Although it is now far less common to find elocution lessons as part of the school curriculum, it has become far more popular since the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, with many people wanting to build their confidence following a year of little social interaction and a reduction in in-person work meetings. 

More recently, elocution lessons have been adapted to suit the digital world of today, with many teachers and companies offering online courses and workshops. There are many reasons why one might take elocution lessons, from wanting to improve their communication skills to wanting to perfect their accent. Whatever the reason, it is clear that elocution lessons remain as important as ever.

What do you do in elocution lessons?

The content of speech and elocution training really depends on your aims and goals for taking elocution lessons in the first place; however, you can expect to be working out your mouth, reading passages of text, and getting used to speaking off the cuff!

If you are wanting elocution lessons to improve your articulation and diction, then you will be focusing on building the strength in your articulators alongside improving their agility. This type of training would be in the form of exercises such as drilling, tongue twisters, mouth, and tongue exercises.

If you are wanting elocution lessons to soften your accent, then you will be focusing on not only building the strength in your articulators, but also building out the shape of your mouth, the elongation, and the placement of your sounds, in comparison to Received Pronunciation (RP).

If you are wanting elocution lessons to develop your public speaking skills, then you will be focusing on not only building the strength in your articulators, but also building on your ability to speak with fluency, body language, audience engagement, and storytelling techniques.

All of these activities can be tailored to your own individual needs, and as you progress, you can expect to find yourself speaking in a much more confident and articulate manner. Elocution lessons are for boosting your self and improving your communication skills, as you gain a better understanding of the English language and the power of your own voice.

How do I choose where to take elocution lessons?

It is absolutely imperative that you choose the right place when thinking about taking elocution lessons for adults and/or elocution lessons for children. When looking for a place to take elocution lessons, make sure to research what kind of lessons they offer, and whether they are tailored to your individual needs.

Taking the time to research and ask appropriate questions will ensure that you are getting the best elocution lessons for your individual needs. For obvious reasons, working with an established company gives you the added benefit of working with an entire team of individuals whose job it is to assist your development. The other option is to seek out an individual coach or tutor, which you can do via websites such as Superprof and FirstTutors.

If you really want to know how to pick the right place, check out our article here.

What if I want to work with The Elocution Coach?

We are currently accepting applications for our 1:1 coaching programmes, which you can learn more about here. Of course, there are plenty of non-coached options available as well.

To apply for a free Discovery Call, click here. This free call will help you to identify which of our coaching programmes would be the best fit for you and your needs. During the call, you will be able to ask any questions you may have about the programme and receive advice from one of our knowledgeable coaches. These free calls are a great way to get a better idea of what our coaching programmes have to offer and help you decide which option is best for you.

What if I’m not sure if elocution is right for me?

If you’re not sure if elocution is right for you, we do offer a number of affordable options, which can be useful to start with, such as The Elocution Club or our Access Membership. Joining one of our self-led programmes will allow you to experience the benefits of elocution coaching first-hand and will help you make a decision on whether or not it’s the right path for you.

The Elocution Club is designed to give you the opportunity to experience the power of elocution coaching before committing to a full programme. If in doubt, we also recommend applying for a free Discovery Call as this will provide you with the opportunity to discuss your individual needs and goals with one of our coaches. They will be able to help you figure out which of our programmes will be best suited to your needs and will provide you with the guidance and support you need to get the most out of your elocution coaching.

We understand that deciding to take the plunge and invest in elocution coaching can be a big decision. That’s why we’ve designed many of our self-led options to give you the opportunity to experience the power of elocution coaching first-hand and get a sense of how it will benefit you in the long run.

We want to make sure that you feel comfortable and confident in your decision and that you are getting the most out of your investment. We go above and beyond to make sure that each of our coaching sessions is tailored specifically to the individual needs of each of our clients and provide them with the resources and tools they need to progress and succeed.

We take great pride in our ability to help our clients reach their goals, whatever they may be. Our coaches are highly experienced and knowledgeable, and are passionate about helping our clients realise their full potential. We believe that everyone has the ability to become a great speaker and to make a lasting impact on their audience.

What if I am in a rush to improve my speech?

No problem! Although we would not recommend rushing any of our programmes, we can work with you to create a tailored plan that helps you reach your goals. We understand that everyone and everyone’s needs are different, so we will work with you to create the perfect plan that meets your specific needs.

We also provide you with extra resources and materials to help you further hone your skills and ensure you are getting the most out of our coaching sessions, particularly if you are on a tight schedule.

We are confident that we can help you become the best speaker you can be, no matter how much time you have. Our approach is to focus on the fundamentals, so you can develop a strong and dependable foundation in public speaking. We will help you identify the areas you need to work on and then give you the tools to become a confident and effective speaker. We will also help you practice in a safe and comfortable environment, so you can gain the experience you need to excel in public speaking.

Is elocution really that popular?

Elocution has become increasingly popular in recent years, appearing in a variety of media outlets. It is regularly featured in online videos and podcasts, offering viewers tips and insight into the world of public speaking. Additionally, many of today’s influencers and celebrities have embraced elocution as a way to help shape their personal brand and deliver their message in a more impactful way.

Elocution is also becoming a common part of job interviews and other professional presentations, helping applicants stand out from the competition.

Given the growing demand for elocution, it is no surprise that more and more people are seeking out coaching and assistance in mastering the craft. By investing in elocution lessons, you can gain the confidence and skills you need to effectively communicate your ideas and messages.

How quickly can I improve my speech?

The speed of improvement depends greatly on your individual circumstances. Some individuals may experience tangible results within a few weeks or months of practice, while others may take longer. The most important thing is to stay consistent with your practice and continue to challenge yourself. With dedication and hard work, you can expect to see significant improvement in your elocution.

It is also important to focus on your listening skills. Listening others speak can help you identify and correct areas of your own speech that need work. Additionally, attending lectures, reading aloud, and engaging in conversation with different people can help you identify how to properly use sentence structure, pronunciation, and enunciation. With practice and dedication, you can learn to speak with clarity, elegance, and confidence.

Are elocution lessons worth it?

Yes, elocution lessons are 100% worth it. By taking speech and elocution lessons, an experienced coach can help identify your speaking strengths and weaknesses and help you develop effective techniques to improve your speaking.

Elocution lessons can also help you build confidence in your speaking abilities, as well as teach you the basics of public speaking and how to use your voice effectively. In the end, elocution lessons can help you become an effective communicator and increase your confidence when speaking in front of others.

Can I take online elocution lessons?

Yes, particularly in today’s world, you can take online elocution lessons. With the help of a good coach, you can get personalised feedback and guidance on how to improve your speaking skills and become a more effective communicator.

An online elocution course can also help you learn the basics of public speaking, such as the importance of body language and projecting your voice, as well as how to effectively use vocal techniques and pauses for emphasis.

Who can take elocution classes?

At The Elocution Coach, our programmes and courses are available to everyone, regardless of age or experience. Whether you are a student, a professional, a presenter, or someone who just wants to improve their public speaking, there is something for you. We offer classes for all levels, from beginners to advanced, as well as custom programmes tailored to your individual needs.

How do I contact The Elocution Coach if I have questions?

If any questions, you can reach us by email or phone. You can find our contact information here. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have.