The Approach
To truly connect with others, we need to be in connection with ourselves.
Hold Your Own offers integrated training programmes that combine breath, voice, bodywork, and improv, with theory, and practical exercises for improving communication with others.
BREATH & VOICE
Breathing. We do it, all the time. And yet, we rarely think about how we are breathing, unless it is obstructed in some way. You will gain insight into how we breathe and how to unravel holding patterns. Practice simple techniques to work with the breath, to improve clarity of communication, to project the voice, and to manage the nervous symptoms that arise when we feel under pressure. A relaxed breath and aligned posture can mean the difference between a resonant, well-rounded delivery in the lower register and a high pitched squeak.
IMPROVISATION
Rigidity and perfectionism can get in the way of our ability to connect with an audience. Improv exercises are not only fun, but they improve flexibility, help you to think on your feet, go off script, and answer unexpected questions with flair.
BODYWORK
Our bodies develop holding patterns throughout our lives, that are a reflection of the positions that we repetitively put them into. These patterns can lead to misalignments, tension, and compromise breathing. When we are in stressful situations the body’s physiological response is to increase tension in order to act at a moment’s notice. When our body enters this state of fight flight or freeze, it is telling us to do something and the worst thing that we can do is to wish the nervous symptoms away, which only serves to exacerbate the heightened stress response. Rather, it is essential that we listen to it, and do something to dissipate the tension that is arising, so that we can manage our nervous energy.
Become aware of holding patterns in the body and understand how to release tension from these areas, so that the breath can flow freely, and oxygen can flood the brain. With practice, you’ll soon be able to release tension on command. A well-aligned posture will elevate your mood, improve confidence, and increase focus.
Ottillie draws on her expertise in facilitation, public speaking, communication, storytelling, theatre, breath and body work, to design training programmes that meet people where they are at and give them the tools to let go of unhelpful patterns, refine their innate abilities, expand their skill set, and increase confidence.