Women in Public Life

Leading  women confronting the fear of public speaking at an event to be held next week.

The press has recently reported the prevalence of ‘glossophobia’ - the fear of public speaking.  People who suffer from glossophobia tend to freeze in front of any audience, even a couple of people. They find their mouth dries up, their voice is weak and their body starts shaking. They may even sweat, go red and feel their heart thumping rapidly.This fear is a barrier whihc over 75% of people suffer from and which many people have to overcome before contemplating a career in politics.
 
On Wednesday 20 November, four leading women in British public life will speak about how they beat their fear of public speaking and how they go about crafting messages as part of their work. 

The event is a collaboration between the UK Speechwriters’ Guild, which represents the nation’s toiling professional speechwriters, and Parliament’s Women in Democracy initiative – a week of events celebrating women’s contribution to democratic life.
 
The distinguished panel comprises of four women who have not only overcome their fear of public speaking, but are now excellent orators.

Natascha Engel MP will speak about her first experiences of speaking in the Chamber, how she drafts her addresses on the campaign trail and why politicians should use more plain language.
 
Lady Fiona Montagu, an ambassador for the Club of Budapest, will explain how she improved her public speaking by joining Toastmasters International, and what opportunities it opened up for her.
 
Zena Elmahrouki, Nick Clegg’s speechwriter, will describe how it feels to put words in a politician’s mouth, and what her work for the Deputy Prime Minister involves.
 
The Conservative peer, Baroness Anne Jenkin, will share her experiences on how female candidates can prepare for open primaries and what it’s like to speak in the House of Lords.
 
“Each speaker will speak for eight minutes. We’ll be hosting an anti-panel, as we believe in the Guild a profound thought was never uttered sitting down.” said founder of the UK Speechwriters’ Guild, Brian Jenner.
 
The event will take place at 7.00pm on Wednesday 20 November in the Macmillan Room, Portcullis House, London.
 
Tickets are available at no cost, but booking is essential. 
 
You can reserve a place by clicking ticket.

Francine Fernandes