As part of Fairfield High School’s International Women’s Day celebrations, Darren Jones, the Member of Parliament for Bristol North West, took time out of his busy day to visit the school’s Fem Soc to deliver a special workshop on public speaking.
Whilst this expert knowledge was an eye-opening insight into the world of politics, it actually reached much further than this, with tips and guidance for conducting oneself in practically any situation and career.
Darren gave examples for how his public speaking masterclass could be applied to a doctor or nurse as they spoke to patients, a bus driver as they communicate with customers or as an IT technician whilst deciphering technical problems. In fact, these tips would be handy way before any of these examples could even come into play, with sixth form for some only around the corner.
To illustrate his argument, Darren showed some excellent clips from his own public speaking, as he engaged with those with less than favourable body language, such as lack of eye contact, fidgeting in the seat and speaking over each other. As part of this, he used illustrations from some high profile companies who had got themselves into hot water, which caused a bit of a stir throughout the room!
For those students with their eyes on a career within the political world, Darren gave tips from both the chair person (giving everyone equal time to speak and knowing when to move an argument along, for example) and questioner (such as maintaining a calm disposition and not accepting evasive answers).
There was also time for questions and answers at the end of the workshop – the part that the students had been waiting for as they quickly got down to the nitty gritty! In 10 minutes they had established Darren’s age, how much he earned and the steps needed to become an MP, mayor or councillor.
The most shocking moment was when the students learnt about the prison room in Big Ben for MPs breaching codes of conduct. It came as slight disappointment, however, to learn that it hadn’t been used since the late 1800s!
“I was shy growing up but learning the saxophone and being on stage was a turning point as my confidence grew,” said Darren. “I now represent around 100,000, if you include young people who can’t yet vote, and am in and out of national TV studios and the House of Commons every week.
“Aside from this, I really enjoy meeting the next generation of leaders. Fem Soc are a great bunch of students who listened intently, showed great body language of their own and who I am sure will have bright futures ahead.”
Jenny Putman, Director of English and Classics at Fairfield High School, added, “We were delighted to be approached by Darren Jones’ constituency office to pay our school a visit. We would like to thank Darren for this wonderful masterclass which will be relevant for all walks of life, and especially for combining his visit with International Women’s Day, something as a school we value very highly.”