Performance-based training workshops

DEMYSTIFYING SHAKESPEARE 21ST CENTURY SPEAKING LESSONS FROM A 16TH CENTURY BARD.

Shakespeare is one of the most renowned writers in history, yet his work is often approached as something academic, distant or intimidating. In reality, his plays and poetry contain clear and practical clues about how humans speak, listen, respond, persuade and connect. These lessons are as relevant today as they were in the 16th centuries.

This workshop uses Shakespeare not as a route to becoming a Shakespearean actor, but as a tool for understanding our own communication. By exploring his language, rhythm and intuitive sense of performance, we uncover principles that strengthen our vocal presence, connection and clarity.

Although the session is taught through the lens of a 16th century playwright, the focus is entirely modern. The aim is to open doors to stronger speaking, freer expression and more confident presentation in the 21st century.

What to Expect

1. Vocal & Physical Warm-Up
We begin with a comprehensive warm-up to open the body, the breath and the voice.

2. Diving Into the Text
We dive straight into the work, saving discussion and questions until the end.

3. Sonnets: Rhythm, Cues & Iambic Pentameter (The benefits of boundaries)
Students are encouraged to learn a couple of lines from one of Shakespeare’s sonnets ahead of the session. These lines will be used to sharpen skills in active listening, cue-picking and obeying the rhythm of iambic pentameter, the heartbeat running through all his work. Again this is only to understand the freedom with which boundaries allow us. When we know the limits our expression can become even freer and more succinct.

4. Shakespeare’s Quirky Swear Words
We explore a selection of Shakespeare’s colourful insults and use them to develop the technique of actioning the text by way of a diss battle. First in pairs and then in clans.

5. Scene Work
Students perform scenes from selected plays and share feedback to better understand how Shakespeare directs us through the text itself.

6. Hamlet teaches us the rules of Public Speaking.

In Shakespeare’s best-known play, Hamlet speaks directly to a troupe of actors and gives them practical advice on how to perform. In Shakespeare’s time there were no directors in the modern sense, so actors relied heavily on the text for guidance. Many believe Hamlet’s advice was Shakespeare’s own message to anyone delivering his words, born from frustration with garbled or poorly spoken performances. We explore this speech and uncover how relevant its lessons still are for public speaking today.

Workshop Aims and Outcomes

By the end of this workshop, students will:

• Build stronger vocal presence and speak with greater clarity, confidence and impact.

• Strengthen active listening and learn to respond with precision, intention and connection.

• Use rhythm, structure and timing to communicate more persuasively and keep an audience engaged.

• Develop greater awareness of breath, physicality and emotional expression to support clear delivery.

• Discover how boundaries and structure can create more freedom, authenticity and expressive range.

• Practise commitment, energy and playfulness through text and scene work.

• Learn to give and receive constructive feedback to improve communication skills.

• Apply these tools to acting, public speaking, leadership, presentations and everyday communication.

Further Takeaways

Working with Shakespeare becomes a way to explore your own voice. It helps you speak with strength, intention and emotional clarity. Allowing the actions and meanings behind the words to guide you creates a more genuine and connected style of communication.

Participants leave feeling energised physically, emotionally and mentally, with tools they can use in their work as actors, speakers, leaders and communicators.