Speaking Naturally with Edwin Maher

This is the last episode in Series One and judging by your responses - one of the most listened-to episodes was about Breathing for Speech. Broadcaster Edwin Maher explains this technique and how to enjoy the benefits of using it as a warm-up to any public speech, work presentation or event where you ‘re asked to speak. Also in this episode, another word about accents, and how to expand the range of your voice.

Tongue Twisters are a great way of helping us become more confident in our conversation, not only native English speakers but those who are learning the language. It helps our articulation to produce the right sounds - and stimulates the rhythm of speech. The tricks of tongue twisters come in the form of similar sounding words running together, challenging us to keep on track without getting tongue tied as we go faster. Edwin Maher has written six tongue twisters especially for this episode, and after listening - go back to try matching his slow -and fast - reading, then try on your own. 1 - Will Britain make its Brexit exit or will Brexit never be an exit If Britain makes its Brexit exit, will that be the end of Brexit? Many Brits think Britain’s Brexit will never reach the final exit. 2 - Only a twit would tweet on Twitter Do you know a tweeting Twitter twit? It seems Twits Tweeting on Twitter never want to quit. 3 - I live in Malta and met a girl from Gibraltar We fell in love and plan to reach the altar But she wants to walk from Malta to Gibraltar Which means our plan to wed at the alter may finally falter. 4 - Do you choose to believe fake news Or is fake news a ruse your eyes can’t refuse If you cannot choose what is fake news You have a choice to give fake news no voice. 5 - Arthur and Martha live with Martha’s mother and father Which shouldn’t seem strange at all. But Arthur told Martha her mother and father were driving him up the wall Said Martha to Arthur - I know how you feel, but they’re just very set in their ways Said Arthur to Martha - That may be true for I know they have seen better days Martha stared back at Arthur but all she could do was burst into laughter. 6 - I own a tricycle-bicycle A bicycle built for three But once my bicycle hit another tricycle Throwing us into a tree Riding a tricycle-bicycle isn’t always a treat. When I hit the other tricycle-bicycle I ended up losing my seat.

Those of us in the northern hemisphere better watch out - winter’s on the way and our voices are at risk. Even in warm weather a cold can leave you speechless. Host Edwin Maher, is still short of vocal strength after being hit by an unexpected visitor last January. Hear the before, during and after in this episode of Speaking Naturally, and how to revive a broken voice. Video mentioned is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EyO7B05iC80

A listener’s email about becoming a news anchor has prompted Edwin Maher to reflect on the changing styles of broadcast news. One thing remains - a good voice - for TELLING stories rather than just READING them. David Eades is ‘master’ in the art of conversational news reading. Check him out on BBC World News. Either behind the microphone or in front of the camera, news anchors get their message across best when -Speaking Naturally.

Whenever we meet someone for the first time, it isn’t just their appearance we remember. How they speak impacts our senses immediately we hear their first words and they hear ours. Often we don’t realise our voice may not engage with the listener because it’s too loud, too soft, or drones on in a monotone. There’s always room for improvement, and in this episode, Edwin Maher demonstrates a simple exercise to get more meaning from the words we use. It’s for native speakers and those whose English is their second language. So prepare to get stressed out, and SPEAK the difference!

Words can be a powerful weapon for better or for worse -something our leaders may need to consider more in keeping our communities calm. With thoughts about words we may regret using, Edwin Maher recalls how his own career was nearly cut short when he became 'the announcer who thought the microphone was off'.

Some guests can be a darn pain to interview

It’s usually ‘good news’ when we tell someone ‘I’ve got a job interview!’ But when there’s time to think, you ask yourself: ‘How will I go? ’….’ Am I good enough? .… ‘Will I be too nervous?’ When you start speaking, your voice will literally set the tone. In this episode of Speaking Naturally, Edwin Maher puts you on the track of being interviewed, not just for a job, but in the broadcast studio and when when questions come from an audience

Public Speaking - Who Needs It? Speaking in public is something to be avoided at all costs. At least that’s what you might think after an on-stage stumble, or checking out the web of advice that’s available online. According to some experts, the rules are clear cut. You must follow the norms of doing this and not doing that. And while their words of wisdom will help - it can be confusing. One thing can’t be disputed - the fight or flight syndrome takes hold and we either go with the flow, or as Edwin Maher did as a young novice - take flight. This episode is aimed at the newcomer to public speaking and explains how an ‘icebreaker’ can help in even the most difficult of circumstances, as when Brett Kavanaugh’s accuser, Christine Blasey Ford, began her testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Accent Reduction is one of the biggest challenges for people of different cultural backgrounds and speech patterns, wanting to 'fit in' among local native English speakers. But as Edwin Maher explains, accents can often enhance a person's vocal delivery. For those who want to indulge in some fine tuning, there's help in this episode of Speaking Naturally. You'll also hear reference to a BBC Hard Talk interview with former Greek Finance Minister, Yanis Varoufakis. The link is here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w3cswj91