Clearly Speaking, LLC |
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Testimonials“Brenda was incredible in helping me to overcome some public speaking hurdles with delivering webinars-- a format that challenges even the most seasoned public speaker given the limited dimensions of engagement. She helped me to focus on maximizing the breath in my voice while slowing the delivery and structuring pauses. She listened to several of my past webinar recordings and was able to tease out a couple tweaks that made for a much smoother presentation. She also helped give me some tricks to think about when speaking so that my voice would stay strong through the end of each sentence. It was enough changes to be helpful but not too much to overwhelm me or overshadow my natural style. Several people commented on the noticeable difference and the confidence of my most recent presentation.”
--C. Davis Parchment, Manager, Electronic Reporting Program, Foundation Center "The processes of Transgender voice treatment seemed daunting to me, I was fairly certain that I wouldn’t hear the voice that I wanted to for a least six months. Brenda helped me catch a glimpse of that voice in under three weeks. Brenda is incredibly kind and witty, and she always gives very effective feedback and critiques. Through this, and her huge library of vocal exercises, Brenda has helped me find a voice that fits the person I have always wanted to be. I was seeking voice treatment for speaking and singing. I am a vocalist—and learning to speak and sing in a more feminine voice has been a challenge that Brenda has taken in her stride. She always encourages me and she doesn’t hesitate to tell me when I can do better. She is easy to talk to and open minded which has really helped me create a voice that sounds like I want it to, rather than being pushed to make it sound stereotypically female. Brenda makes lessons feel like we are learning together. She takes my feedback as seriously as she hopes I take hers. She has made—what seemed to me—an almost unattainable goal much more of a reality than I could have hoped. I would enthusiastically recommend her to anyone seeking Transgender voice treatment, and really any type of vocal exercise and work. She is a stellar human, and a tremendous clinician." --Quinn Bleiler, Singer-Songwriter "I have been working as an actor for over 30 years now. I have worked with many voice teachers, coaches and specialists over that time and can honestly recommend Brenda as one of the best. She has an extensive knowledge and depth of experience through her own background as a performer, singer, and director as well as her impressive academic credentials and success. Recently, as I worked on a role that demanded intense physical and psychological transformation I found myself struggling with vocal strain and went to Brenda for advice. She gave me excellent input. Simple, focused, directed at the issues I was having and perfectly manageable. She not only had full comprehension of what I was up against but she could distill the information I needed into clean, clear, thoughtful, steps that directly correlated to the issues. Her input was practical and efficient. She quickly gave me ways to approach everything from my warm ups to the actual performance that I could put to use and it made an enormous difference. Brenda is warm, humorous, and approachable. She is empathetic and curious and willing to work with you wherever you are in the process. I highly recommend her. " --Maureen Porter, actress "Brenda Nuckton is a gem of a coach and a person. I had the great fortune of working with Brenda both for private coaching and also as a performer under her direction during opera productions. It was a privilege to receive instruction from her, as each direction felt like an extension of her utmost respect and love for the craft. While preparing to compete in the Miss America Pageant, Brenda staged my talent presentation of Puccini's "O mio babbino caro". Her understanding of both the venue and the underlying message in Puccini's aria sculpted a performance that transcended the where and why, taking the audience past pageant to true opera. I felt that she not only wanted to bring the best out of the song, but in me. Because of her direction, I was rewarded with a Preliminary Talent Award and ultimately the title of Miss America 2002. That single performance on national television boosted my professional career for years to come. I owe Brenda Nuckton a debt of gratitude for her dedication to me as a student. Her enthusiasm for music, performance and artistry is inspiring, and her proficiency boundless." - Katie Harman Ebner, Lyric Soprano & Miss America 2002 Brenda was my very first director, and as a young and impressionable singer, she not only brought her expertise but also a real sense of love for the repertoire. After having spent now 8 years as a young professional, I was lucky enough to work with Brenda again, this time in a private and in an extremely detailed manner. She prepared me dramatically and vocally for the grueling audition circuit, which now has me working professionally in Germany. I continue to find inspiration from our work and I can't recommend working with Brenda any higher; whether a young and developing singer, or an experienced artist wanting more from their craft. Portland is lucky to have such a knowledgeable and committed artist in its backyard." --Nathaniel Kondrat, baritone “Stage Director Brenda Nuckton brought Portland State University Opera our first awards from the National Opera Association. Her productions tell vivid stories with lively and clever characters. Observing her in an educational and professional setting, I have found Ms. Nuckton to be a supreme collaborator on the technical and artistic sides. Her organization and rehearsal techniques were much appreciated, as was her ability to teach young singers. She clearly has a true understanding of the great art form OPERA!” --Christine Meadows, Director of Opera and Vocal Area Coordinator, Portland State University |
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Clearly Speaking can help you speak with a standard American accent, offering training in accent reduction, accent modification, correct English pronunciation, prosody, vowel sounds, and consonant sounds. We are located in Portland, OR and provide services to the greater Portland area.
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Learn healthy voice techniques. Voice disorders, vocal fatigue, hoarseness, vocal tension all impact communication. Clearly Speaking helps you learn healthy voice techniques: vocal hygiene, optimal breath/voice coordination, breath support, eliminate vocal fry, learn forward resonance & efficient use of the speaking voice. Also offering transgender voice training.
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Clearly Speaking offers training in public speaking for lectures, presentations, teaching, reports, debates, webinars and any public speaking situation.
We also provide training in accent reduction, healthy vocal habits, lisp correction and public speaking techniques |