There's really only one person you need to compete with . . . Toastmasters, and other speaking clubs, sometimes have speech competition called Speech Contests. When I was a Toastie, I entered several. I'm sure I won a few, but know I lost more than I won. I hate to disagree with the famous coach Vince Lombardi, but Read More
Presentation Tips
Non-Verbal Communication Element # 3 –
Gestures – They communicate, also!
Shhhh! The figure on the right is not speaking, but their finger raised in front of their mouth is communicating - "Please be quiet!" Gestures, like other forms of non-verbal communication, can stand on their own communicating a message. They can also be combined with other forms of non-verbal communication, or be Read More
Speech Content – Part #5.5
Closing Your Speech
Your LAST WORDS Will probably be the FIRST WORDS Your Audience will Remember! Before closing, tell the audience that you are about to close the speech. This is important. It’s OK if your closing has a surprise in it, but not if your closing is the surprise! Here’s an analogy. You’re on a trip and have been Read More
Verbal Communication Element #4 –
Cadence
The Rhythmic Flow of the words . . . A natural partner of inflection is our next element, Cadence. It’s the rhythmic flow of the words used when speaking. Other terms used for this element are: meter, beat, measure and pulse Usually, and largely because of nervousness, presenters speak too quickly. Some speakers Read More
Verbal Communication Element #3 – Inflection
Did you ever hear a presenter speak in Mon-O-Tone? Did I hear some say, "R2D2 of Star Wars fame? If you did, you probably couldn't wait for the talk to end, and it's doubtful you remember anything from the speech. Inflection, or Voice Modulation, is “change in the pitch or tone of the voice.” Varying your tone Read More
Non-Verbal Communication Element #1 –
Eye Contact
Eyes are the 'Windows to the Soul'. They are the first things we use for non-verbal communication when we meet someone. The same applies when speaking to a group of people. 'Look me in the eye!' 'The eyes have it!' The first thing to do, after taking the lectern, and before beginning your talk, is to find a Read More
The Law of Primacy and Recency
First and Last - If you want it to Last! For any presentation, people are more likely to remember the first and last parts. This is one reason it is so important to give lots and lots of consideration to your Speech Opening and Speech Closing. This is what your audience will remember, so it best be something very Read More
Make Your Quotes – Quotable!
Quotable Quotes Wouldn’t you like to be the person who is ‘quoted’? How cool would it be to have other people repeating your words to others, and crediting you! Well, coming up with that memorable line that people are repeating is not as hard as it might at first seem. Here are some tips to accomplishing Read More
Buzz Words
NO Buzz Words! Buzz Words are composed of jargon that is usually specific to a particular industry. Often we think of the tech industry or medical profession having buzz words, acronyms and jargon that many non-techs can’t understand. The truth is that many occupations, generations of people, industries, clubs, Read More
Toastmasters – A great place to learn!
Join Toastmasters! Toastmasters is an international organization. The latest figures I found show they have a membership approaching 250,000 in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries. One of the most valuable benefits of being a member is the nurturing environment where everyone truly wants to help the other Read More