Meet your Speech and Language Expert.
My name is Hugh Morrison-Thomas and I’ve worked as a Speech & Drama teacher, Speech-language Therapist and Audiologist across health and education settings. For the past four years I taught Speech & Drama at Rangi Ruru Girls’ School in Christchurch. Having recently moved to Nelson I look forward to continuing where I left off, igniting a passion for performance in my students. Originally, I am from the Wairarapa area, but I have lived in Christchurch for the past eight years. I have a Masters in Audiology, Bachelor of Honors in Speech-language Pathology, and have been admitted as a Fellow of the New Zealand Speech Board. I have also completed Licentiate and Advanced Associate Diplomas in Teaching Speech and Drama and I am a registered member of the New Zealand Speech-language Therapists’ Association.
Why I became a teacher and therapist?
All of us are called on at some time to complete an oral exam, attend a job interview, present a project idea, lead a discussion or cultural event, chair a meeting, or deliver a ceremonial speech. Many people dread these situations and try everything to avoid them, but there comes a point when they can be avoided no longer. Over the past 10 years, I became interested in learning the skills needed to succeed in these areas, and by studying the techniques of great performers I gradually learned how they mastered the art of speaking well. I used to think they all just had a natural talent for speaking, but since exploring the topic in depth I have discovered there is a method for improving public speaking ability. It is this method that I aim to share with you because I have seen its effectiveness for those who struggle to communicate their ideas.