This book links together basic theory about vocal production and teacher identity with numerous practical tips, tricks and exercises. Including chapters on communication, effective and persuasive language, voice use and body language and online audio examples, this book will be valuable reading for all trainee and practising teachers.
"The power of our voice - as an integral part of not just what we do, but who we are - comes across throughout this informative and thought-provoking book. Starting from an investigation of sound production and the purpose of vocal sound as a powerful tool for communication, the reader is compelled to think differently about their own voice; to become more self-aware of how it is used and how it could be developed to better effect. For a teacher, this critical self-analysis of the power of our own voice is a key to effective delivery across the multitude of situations in which our varied work takes us. Its applied approach, weaving together a strong theoretical underpinning with a series of practical exercises, will be of benefit to any teacher wanting to reflect upon and develop their work and enhance their wellbeing." - Dr Alison Daubney, Senior Teaching Fellow, University of Sussex
"This is an important and wide-ranging book that covers not only the use and protection of the voice, which is important for teachers as a topic in its own right, but also the ways in which teachers use their voices as key mechanisms for pedagogy. But in addition to this it also covers important areas relating to the different ways in which teachers actually find their own teaching voices, and what sorts of voice are appropriate on various occasions. These areas alone would make this book worthwhile, but what makes this book really stand out is that it also deals with the under-researched area of beginning teachers setting out to find their own voices. This is a fascinating and worthwhile subject area, and is so important in the early professional lives of all educators. This important book has something for all those who work with children and young people, and will make an important addition to the staff library of all schools and colleges."
Martin Fautley, Professor & Director of Research in Education, Birmingham City University, UK