CIT Teaching & Learning Unit

Speak Strong: A Vocal Wellness Mini-Course (Concluded for 2024/25)

Summary:
This interactive four-session course supported educators in enhancing vocal health and communication skills.

Description:
The course helped participants discover how to protect, strengthen, and sustain their voices for effective communication. It combined the science of vocal health with hands-on practice to support vocal resilience and confidence.

Participants:

• Learned how the voice works and how to care for it
• Practised techniques to improve projection and clarity
• Built vocal endurance and managed fatigue
• Gained personalised feedback and developed a sustainable vocal wellness routine

Course Schedule:

• Session 1 (Online): Thursday, 16 January 2025
• Session 2 (In-Person): Cork – 23 January, Kerry – 24 January
• Session 3 (In-Person): Cork – 30 January, Kerry – 31 January
• Session 4 (Online): Friday, 7 February
• Capacity: 40 participants (20 from Cork, 20 from Kerry)

Speak Strong: Clear & Confident Speaking Skills for Professional Success (Concluded for 2024/25)

Summary:
This course supported university staff in overcoming speaking challenges and enhancing their confidence in both online and in-person settings.

Description:
Participants engaged in practical exercises, received tailored feedback, and developed skills to communicate clearly and confidently. The course focused on:

• Reducing speaking anxiety and building confidence
• Crafting clear, concise, and impactful messages
• Using vocal variety and body language effectively
• Receiving constructive feedback in a supportive environment

Course Schedule:

• Session 1 (Online): Thursday, 20 February 2025
• Session 2 (In-Person): Cork – 27 February, Kerry – 28 February
• Session 3 (In-Person): Cork – 6 March, Kerry – 7 March
• Session 4 (Online): Thursday, 13 March
• Capacity: 30 participants (15 from Cork, 15 from Kerry)

Presenter Bio

Irene O'Mara is a lecturer in Acting and Voice at the Cork School of Music, where she works with undergraduate students on the BA Theatre & Drama Studies and BA Musical Theatre programmes. With over five years of experience at MTU, Irene specialises in teaching acting skills, movement, and practitioner techniques, preparing her students for careers in the performing arts and creative industries.

Her passion for education is evident in her approach to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Irene is deeply engaged in enhancing her teaching methods and creating innovative learning experiences. She coordinates learning communities, such as a collaboration between the BA Theatre & Drama Studies programme and the Everyman Theatre, fostering meaningful engagement between students, staff, and the local arts scene.

Beyond her teaching, Irene actively pursues professional growth. Recent highlights include her participation in the Elevate Experiential Leadership programme and upcoming practitioner training for EMCC accreditation in coaching. Irene's commitment to CPD reflects her belief in staying sharp and evolving as an educator, which benefits both her students and colleagues.

Known for her collaborative spirit, Irene values the role of community in education and actively supports initiatives that bridge academic and professional practice. She encourages new staff to embrace CPD as a means to enrich their careers and positively impact their teaching and learning environments.

For more information please contact: Irene.omara@mtu.ie