★★★  Inter Act  ★★★ with Avril Owton MBE

Emma:

What was your first public speaking engagement?

Avril:

My first public presentation was in 1996 [I think!] the year after I had been voted Hampshire Woman of the Year. I had no plans to do public speaking as I didn’t think I had the confidence to speak publicly. I had been invited to attend a conference where I met a lady who ran a ladies group in Essex and persuaded me to go and talk about my success at one of her meetings. It was February and in spite of the snowy conditions I drove up there to do the presentation I had prepared. However due to the weather conditions only seven ladies turned up! That was my introduction to public speaking. I stayed the night in a Travel Lodge and drove home via the M25 the following morning in terrible weather conditions. From that one disastrous speaking engagement a whole new career started proving to me you should always take opportunities as you never know what might become of them.

Emma:

Do you have any mantras or phrases to maintain positivity?

Avril:

As proved by my first experience of public speaking you MUST NEVER GIVE UP and don’t turn down opportunities because THE SHOW GOES ON. [Although unfortunately not this year!!]

Emma:

When did your public speaking schedule start to be affected this year?

Avril:

I sold my hotel in November 2017 and retired from business and my speaking engagements slowed down at the same time, however due to Covid my speaking engagements this year have all been cancelled.

Emma:

Do you prepare vocally at all before giving a presentation?

Avril:

I always do a few vocal exercises in the car on the way to my engagements as I did have some training in public speaking and I learnt how to use my voice. Dancers don’t speak so I realised it was important for me to have some training to be able to be a successful speaker.

Emma:

I talk to myself as well as my usual singing practice - what do you do to keep using your voice at the moment?

Avril:

I haven’t done any vocal exercises during this year but have spent a lot of time chatting on the phone to friends and family as it’s been the only way to keep in touch with them whilst isolating and using my voice!

Emma:

Do you have a memory of an unusual setting where you have made a presentation?

Avril:

I can’t think of anywhere unusual that I have made a presentation.

Emma:

Do you think the discipline of performing training has helped in your work, life and this year?

Avril:

Definitely the discipline and stamina my training gave me as a ballet dancer has helped me to succeed in business and in life. My husband died at 45 years old in 1991 and left me with a very run down hotel, 4 children and no financial support. I had to get up the next day and run the hotel to be able to support myself and my children. The Show had to go on and I couldn’t give up which was instilled into me when I was training.

Emma:

Are there particular things you have done over the last few months to keep positive?

Avril:

I am usually a very positive person but even I have found it difficult to stay positive some days during this pandemic. I don’t listen to the news as it’s so negative and depressing, negative news crushes your dreams. I count my blessings at this challenging time as I know I’m in a far better position than so many people. I go for long walks along the sea front which I love and I keep in regular touch with my family and friends.

Emma:

What music do you listen to to lift your spirits, both in more usual times and at the moment?

Avril:

I enjoy listening to the more mature singers like Neil Diamond, Nat King Cole, Lional Ritchie, Barry Manilow, shows my age! But I also enjoy West Life. I’m not a fan of the modern day pop music. I love music from the musicals and I enjoy listening to Elaine Paige on a Sunday afternoon. I also enjoy most of the classical ballet music.

Emma:

Do you have any advice for students who are currently auditioning for acting, dancing and singing courses?

Avril:

Always follow your dreams because you will always regret it if you give up. Be yourself. Be a first class version of yourself and not a second class version of somebody else. You will make mistakes and things won’t always go your way but just keep going and learn from your mistakes. 2020 has been a very challenging year for everyone but we will get over it and people will flock to the theatres once they are open again because we all need entertainment for our mental health so keep training and be the best you can be.

Emma:

Do you still dance?

Avril:

I don’t still dance!!! I keep in touch with the profession as I’m a life member of the Royal Academy of Dance and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. I am in regular touch with the friends I made at ballet school in London.

I'd like to thank Avril yet again for sharing her wisdom and giving such helpful advice.

If you'd like to find out more, here is a link to Avril's web site:

avrilowton.co.uk

Return to Emma's Voiceblog

6th. November, 2020