Tahanto PTO / Hillside Restoration Project

Boylston , MA 01505

Date: February 12, 2007 Contacts: Nel Lazour, 508-869-0388

Heidi MacDonald, 508-869-3198

Public Speaking Workshop for Students a Success

Boylston , MA . On Friday, February 9, the first of a two-day public speaking workshop for students and teachers was held at Tahanto Regional High School .

The morning began with an introduction by Principal Carol Bringleson followed by a brief presentation by Nel Lazour of the Hillside Restoration Project, which connected Central Massachusetts and Boylston�s history of oratory with the program being offered.

During the remainder of the morning Ethan Becker, Senior Coach with The Speech Improvement Company, Inc., taught students techniques for controlling nervousness, being organized, interviewing well, listening and connecting with the audience. Students were asked to give a one minute speech for evaluation and feedback. On February 16, beginning at 8:30 am at Tahanto High School library, students will have an opportunity to practice and deliver their speeches to a wider audience.

The student�s evaluations of the program were overwhelmingly positive and included feedback on the content and effectiveness of the program. Comments included: It was a wonderful opportunity and very informative; The techniques for handling nervousness were great; Would have liked more time; Great way to teach with humor; I found learning to deal with physical stresses to be incredibly helpful; The workshop will appeal to all high school and middle school students; Mr. Becker kept me interested the whole time; Broke things into small steps and made it easy to learn; Great instructor � he relates well to kids; builds self confidence.

�There is a clear need for an enriching program like this at the high school level. It was gratifying to see the students responded with such enthusiasm and interest,� said Principal Carol Bringelson.

The Speech Improvement Company, Inc., has helped hundreds of thousands of executives and corporate professionals strengthen their ability to communicate. They are now extending their teachings to help students and teachers throughout Massachusetts .

The workshop is a collaborative program sponsored by the Tahanto Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO), the Tahanto Regional High School Administration, and the Hillside Restoration Project (HRP). The ultimate goal is to integrate the program into the curriculum and create interest in forming an after school enrichment program.

About the HRP

The Hillside Restoration Project, Inc. (HRP) is a non-profit organization whose mission includes the restoration, preservation and adaptive reuse of the John B. Gough Estate in Boylston, one of seven National Historic Landmarks in Central Massachusetts . The project is one of the most significant and comprehensive historic preservation efforts in the region and has been recognized by local, state, and national preservation organizations. One of the goals of the organization focuses on mutually beneficial collaborations and partnerships with educational, cultural, and civic groups in the preservation of this important historical landmark.

Directions to Hillside:

From Worcester:

Take Route 290 East.

From Route 290 take the Boylston Exit (23B/Route 140 North).

At the intersection of Route 140 and Route 70, make a left at the light.

Go approximately � of a mile to signs for Boylston Town Offices and Municipal Complex on the right.

This road leads up to the John Gough Estate. Beyond the estate is the administration building. The conference room is down the hall beyond the double doors on your left.

From the east:

Take the Massachusetts Turnpike (Route 90) to Route 495 North to Route 290 towards Worcester.

From Route 290 take the Boylston Exit (23B / Route 140 North).

At the intersection of Route 140 and Route 70, make a left at the light.

Go approximately � of a mile to the signs for Boylston Town Offices and Municipal Complex on the right.

This road leads up to the John Gough Estate. Beyond the Estate is the administration building. The conference room is down the hall beyond the double doors on your left.