Central School of Speech and Drama
The Central School for Speech and Drama (CSSD) provides higher education and research in the theatrical and performing arts.
The London-based school's portfolio of courses includes a year-round programme offering communication and presentation skills for businesses. This work is used for leadership development, executive coaching, organisational coaching and communications programmes. The courses are provided by the Professional Development and Lifelong Learning (PDLL) department. Clients include the BBC, College of Law, London Business School, Waitrose and Department for Transport.
Work with these organisations includes communications skills, body language, public speaking, chairing meetings and media presentation. Qualified tutors help business people understand and improve their voice power and communications abilities. Tools and techniques include breathing exercises, understanding body movement, role play, scenarios and forum theatre.
The school has taught voice-related courses since it opened in 1906; today it is the home of the International Centre for Voice, which helps the professional development of teachers of voice and speech.
CSSD results
Recent feedback on the effectiveness of CSSD's communications work is from a small sample of PDLL trainees from a range of business sectors. They confirmed this approach to development:
- Establishes self-awareness
- Transfers pragmatic skills; projection, posture, breathing; modulation, intonation and loudness
- Increases personal confidence
- Calms individuals by using new techniques
- Helps people adjust their behaviour
- Enhances team building
- Helps create a professional image
- Helps people become confident ambassadors; an organisation's 'shop window'
Coach profiles
Bruce Wooding
Previously Head of Drama at an inner London school, Bruce has lectured in drama since 1996. As Head of Professional Development and Life Long Learning at the Central School of Speech and Drama, Bruce continues to inspire and engage students in theatre and communication disciplines. He also designs and manages the CSSD's portfolio of short courses for business and bespoke team and individual development.
Caroline Goyder
Caroline has worked as a coach within a number of organisations, helping individuals to increase their personal impact and achieve ease and elegance in communication. Caroline's clients include media, banking, financial services and central government. She also teaches voice at CSSD on undergraduate and MA courses.
