Popular subjects I talk about

In praise of mediocrity

The desire to make something as perfect as possible can be an absolute killer. Not just of the work itself but of the thought behind it – and the calm focus required for an effective result.

Having learnt the hard way, I’m a strong advocate for mediocrity. I believe the quest for perfection can be extremely counter-productive, a major barrier to progress, and a significant producer of stress.

In this talk, I show how being average is often far more productive than being brilliant. By abandoning the pursuit of excellence and embracing a life of mediocrity, we can all experience a more relaxed, happy and, surprisingly, successful life.

Making the most of your voice

The human voice is an extremely powerful communication tool. It conveys so much more than the words it carries. If we’re anxious, nervous or keen to make a good impression, it can have a negative effect on our voice, knocking our confidence and diminishing the strength of our words.

Using my experience in audiology, theatre and voice coaching, I show audiences how to love and make the most of our voices.

I pass on tips and techniques to improve diction, projection and pace, and manage the nerves that cause us to ‘um and err’, get tongue tied and go completely blank under pressure.

Why one is never enough

Human beings are remarkable creatures. Our capacity to absorb and recreate enables us to reinvent ourselves throughout our lives. Yet most of us settle for the here and now. We lack the know-how, will or confidence to leave unhealthy relationships, realise our potential and enjoy fuller, richer lives.

In this talk about personal reinvention, I provide an engaging and insightful life story that encompasses one council flat, two accents, three husbands, four professions and five mantras.

In sharing my often hilariously embarrassing experiences with audiences, I hope to tempt a few people to find the lost soul inside themselves.

Lorraine Forrest-Turner

After studying audiology and working in the NHS, I went on to study and work in performance arts, journalism and public relations.

I am a tutor at the UK Writers College and a member of several professional institutions, including the UK Speechwriters’ Guild, ProCopywriters (the alliance of commercial copywriters), the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) and the Public Relations and Communications Association (PRCA).

My published work includes the stage plays ‘Seven Stages of an Affair’, ‘To Have and to Hold’, ‘Dear Lily’ and ‘Bank Holidays and Other Ways to Kill a Marriage’. I have also published two books, ‘13:22 and Other Short Stories’ and ‘In Praise of Mediocrity’, a collection of articles on writing and communication.

 

Enquiry form

Prefer to email your speaking or hosting enquiry? Drop me a line at lorraine@forrest-turner.co.uk.


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    © Lorraine Forrest-Turner 2026