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 Coach
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
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
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
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
Handouts – Hand them out Later!
If you 'hand out' Handouts as the audience is getting seated, they'll be looking at your brochure, fact sheet, contact information, etc., while you're giving your presentation. This can be as bad as having the door to a noisy kitchen open or the the lights go out as you're demonstrating something. A speech is always Read More
The Fear of Public Speaking & Giving Presentations
If just the thought of speaking in front of a group gets you nervous - You are not alone! Survey after survey says many people would rather die than give a speech. It's the Fear of Public Speaking! Actually, some nervous energy is good to have! Harness it, and turn it into enthusiasm for your subject. In Read More
Practicing a Speech
We've all heard the expression, "Practice makes perfect." It's not true. Practicing will never make it perfect! Perfect practice makes perfect. However, and I don't know where I read this, "The road to perfection never ends." That statement aside, the mantra we've all heard from coaches, teachers, and parents, Read More
Props Help the Audience “See” Your Points – Maybe!
Since people learn in different ways, the more senses incorporated into your presentation, the better the meaning of your speech will be conveyed and information retained. However, no prop, sound or scent will ever come close to what your "brain" can see, hear or smell. I once heard the late Gene Siskel and Roger Read More