The Architecture of Speech: A Workshop for Trainers, Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Voice. Diction. Intonation. Meaning. A practical workshop on speech technique and structure for trainers, managers and entrepreneurs.

You know what to say. The question is whether people will hear you.

You can be highly skilled in your profession, with deep knowledge and interesting ideas. But even the most substantive speech loses its impact if your voice sounds uncertain, your words are unclear, or your intonation does not help listeners grasp the main point.

Why do we want to listen to some voices, while others quickly tire us? How can you speak for a long time without straining your voice? How can pauses, pace and intonation make speech lively, expressive and persuasive?

Good speech is not just a natural gift. It is a set of skills that can be developed and refined. At the “Architecture of Speech” workshop, we will explore the main tools of speech technique and learn to use our voices more consciously.

How the workshop is structured

Part 1. Speech technique—the foundation

Breathing, voice, diction and articulation. We will look at how breathing affects the sound of the voice, why vocal and muscular tension occurs, and what helps make speech relaxed and clear. Through practical exercises, we will develop speech breathing, vocal stamina, diction and articulatory flexibility. We will also discuss how to protect your voice during extended speaking and maintain its quality even when nervous.

Part 2. The logic of speech—meaning and expression

Emphasis, pauses, pace and intonation. Why can the same phrase sound completely different? How can you highlight the main point, keep your thoughts on track and help listeners follow your reasoning? We will learn to identify the key ideas in a statement, place pauses effectively, vary the pace and use intonation deliberately rather than at random. In practice, we will see that expressive speech comes not from outward effects, but from a clear understanding of what we are saying and why.

Above all, this is a practical workshop!

Each participant will work with their own voice, do speech exercises and receive individual feedback.

What you will gain:
• Practical exercises to develop breathing, voice and diction.
• An understanding of how to achieve a freer-sounding voice without unnecessary strain.
• Tools to maintain vocal stamina during long presentations and teaching sessions.
• The ability to identify key points in a text and place emphasis effectively.
• The ability to use pauses, pace and intonation to make speech more expressive.
• A set of exercises to continue practising independently.

Who is this workshop for?

For trainers and teachers whose voices face significant daily demands and are their main working tool.

For managers who need to speak clearly, confidently and persuasively.

For entrepreneurs who hold meetings, give presentations, negotiate and represent their projects.

And for anyone who wants greater command of their voice and to speak freely, clearly and expressively.

No special preparation is required.

Workshop leader: Marina Malova

Theatre and film actress, teacher of stage speech. Graduate of the M. S. Shchepkin Higher Theatre School. She trained at the Department of Stage Speech. For over 20 years, she has taught stage speech and worked with actors, teachers, presenters and people in a wide range of professions for whom voice and speech are an important part of their work.

Date and time: 21 November, 14:00–17:00
Vaba Lava Narva, Linda 2

The workshop will be held in Russian. There are 12 places so that each participant can not only learn about the exercises, but also try them in practice and receive individual recommendations.