I just watched the first episode in the new BBC2 series called The Speaker, to find the best young speaker in Britain. I thought the choice of judges was terrible. They displayed a lack of understanding of public speaking disciplines, and were critical of the young contestants in a way that could only harm their self confidence.
The programme's format was odd, to say the least, and the judging criteria bizarre. Whom did the BBC contact? The judges were a terrible stand-up performer, an acting tutor, and a former basketball player. The editing wasn't much better.
What a sad wasted opportunity! What's worse is that the winner will be coached by those judges.
About Me
- PKP
- Greater London, United Kingdom
- I am a Wordsmith: a copywriter and expert in persuasive verbal communication in business. I was Senior Copywriter at Reader's Digest, and have won numerous awards for public speaking, including UK Champion seven times, and World No.2, with seven published books on communication skills. My main leisure interests are barbershop singing, sport and reading. And good food, wine and single malt whisky!
Hi Phillip,
ReplyDeleteWe heard about it at the PSA last year and were told by the BBC that they did not want to have any professional speakers involved!
One of the judges then approached us and offered to mention the PSA on the programme if we paid and made them a FPSA!!!!
kind regards
Roger