I am really not sure where to post this so I thought I'd start here. I am interested in improving my speaking skills (for both my magic and my profession). I live in the South and would like to learn to tone down my Southern accent and also be more articulate and clear when I speak. Though I am a Southerner, I tend to speak way to fast. Are there any courses, workshops, coaching, books, etc, that anyone would recommend? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Andy

Probably several.
Burling Hull addresses speaking techniques in his book: Gold Medal Showmanship.
I learned how to project and enunciate clearly by performing field heraldry as a member of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA).
"Oyyyez...oyyyyez!!!"

Join a Toastmasters club. It's helped me and millions of others around the globe.

EXCELLENT SUGGESTION!

You might find Dale Carnegie Training helpful.

I've been through the training, and also returned several times as a volunteer Graduate Assistant.

This is not the same thing as just reading the books.

- Donald

P.S. A good book to read is "Secrets of Power Presentations" by Peter Urs Bender.

Thanks guys for the help!

Andy

I love Toastmasters and am now looking for a group I like best

I am not familiar with the curriculum that Toastmasters uses, but I suspect it is geared more towards speech composition and presentation than voice training. You might do better by contacting the theater or broadcast communication department of a local college. There is usually someone who teaches vocal technique in those departments. If you are unsuccessful finding something there, contact any nearby professional theater company and see if you can get a recommendation for a vocal coach. I learned the exercises I still use today from actor over 30 years ago. If you send me a PM, I'll send you a simple handout with my vocal warm up exercises.

Jim

Going to a speech therapist is another idea.

This is the best book on the topic I know of,
and would be a great place to start….

“Voice and the Actor” By Cicely Berry
ISBN: 978-0-02-041555-8
List $12.95

Magically,
Walt

Great recommendation Walt, I try and read it every couple of years.

I bet you've also got Litz Pisk The Actor and his Body next to it on the bookshelf.
They came out at about the same time and were considered "must reads"

timothy

Thanks Walt. I picked up a copy today at my local library and I am looking forward to reading it.

Andy

I second Jim' recommendation. One of the best things I ever did was to take voice classes at my local community college years ago.

Tony