Tips for Public Speaking

I watched a video this morning (which I have shared below) giving 3 tips to becoming a better speaker. Malachi Talabi - 2011 UK & Ireland Public Speaking Champion relates public speaking to football (soccer.

To be a good public speaker you need the following:

Control - particularly when delivering an emotional speech - control in your movement, your gestures, your pace, and your vocal variety

Skill - to take raw talent to spectacular you need to practice

Process - get information and then take things a step at a time



To your success as a speaker

Fran

Teleseminars

Are you currently doing Teleseminars or is this something you have thought about doing?

I have been thinking about it for some time and so I attended some free webinars put on by Kim Clausen of Ready to Go Marketing Solutions. She will be repeating these seminars in the next few weeks, so if you are thinking about doing a teleseminar and would like some information on how to do one, what you need in order to do it, then you can check it out here Confident Teleseminar Leader

Watch for news of my teleseminar and my sign up page soon.

Happy speaking

Fran

Leadership

What is Leadership?

Some of the definitions I found are: "A person who guides or directs a group", "An act or instance of leading", "someone who has followers" (Peter Drucker), "leadership is influence, nothing more-nothing less" (John C.Maxwell), "organizing a group of people to achieve a common goal".

Today I watched some videos on leadership, and read a few articles on leadership, and thought about the ways I am a leader in my community and who the other leaders are and what their leadership styles are.

One of the videos I watched was called The Dancing Guy. It was a poor quality video, but the voice over talked about the fact that the first person who was dancing was not really the leader, although he was up in front of everyone dancing. The real leader was the first follower. After he got up and danced, then others began to join in - first in twos and threes, and then in groups.

I thought about this for a while and realized that it is true, in order to be a leader, one has to have followers. We may think we are a leader as we expound our theories to people, but if our mannerisms or style of "leadership" turns people off, we have no one to lead.

It does take courage to be the first to step out and try something new, but it may take more courage to get up and follow someone that everyone else thinks is a bit crazy.

Are you a leader? What is your leadership style? Who is following you?

Fran
Developing leadership skills in Toastmasters

District PRO - Toastmasters District 61

Why Toastmasters

Here is a link to a video created by one of the District 61 Toastmaster clubs.

If you want more info on Toastmasters, click here

Why Toastmasters?

If you are in customer service in any capacity, you can benefit from learning to develop or enhance your speaking skills.

If you are an employer, your business might benefit from allowing/encouraging your staff to attend weekly meetings where they will have the opportunity to learn and practice some of the following: how to organize their thoughts, get to the point and how to deliver effective communication.

Often you may be called upon at the last minute to give a presentation or a talk on something you’ve been working on, or something for a new client. You begin to panic. Toastmasters can help you think on your feet and be well organized so that this will become easy for you.

Communication is a two-way conversation and it involves more than just talking. It also involves shutting up (aka listening). You will often hear people say, “I have no problem talking”, and those around them are well aware of that. These people may have a problem letting other people talk.

How many times have you been at a meeting where the person is supposed to speak only for 5 minutes and 15 minutes later they are still at it? At Toastmasters you learn how to craft a speech to fit within a specified time frame. Lights or cards are used to let you know the timing of your speech.

Listening skills are an important part of communication. It is important to listen well enough so that you really “hear” what the other person is saying. At our weekly meetings the Quizmaster tests the listening skills of the group by asking questions about things that went on during the meeting.

Leadership skills – are developed as members take on roles such as Toastmaster, Table Topics Master, Timer, Quizmaster, General Evaluator and others. Each person takes control of the lectern for their role and you have a chance to earn the Competent Leader award as you work through various roles such as: Speaker, Speech Evaluator, Timer, Grammarian, Ah Counter, Toastmaster, Mentoring a New or Existing Member, etc.

Do you have to evaluate people for yearly Performance Appraisals? It is important to learn how to correctly evaluate someone so that they learn about the things they need to improve while being recognized for the things that they already do well. If all they hear is criticism, they don’t feel very good about themselves.

One of the biggest challenges of a leader is to be able to give feedback to others on their performance. Feedback involves praising others to reinforce their outstanding performance and offering suggestions to improve their performance. Often leaders are uncomfortable giving feedback.

If team members are to perform to their potential, they need to know what they are doing well, what they are not doing well, and how they can improve. If you want to improve your team’s performance, you must be able to comfortably offer feedback to team members. Toastmasters teaches the “sandwich technique” for evaluations. Start with something positive, insert the message about things that could be improved and end with a positive comment. Come to a meeting and find out more.

Have you ever listened to a boring lecture where the person just drones on and on with no variety or depth to their voice? It’s enough to put you to sleep. Speech #6 will help you learn how to effectively use your voice for the highs and lows to keep people’s attention, (be expressive, use pauses for effectiveness, control your volume, pitch, rate and quality). Keep your conversations lively and worth listening to.

Body language - Your body often speaks louder than your actual words and people “read” what you are saying by the way you say it. Learn how to use gestures and eye contact to keep the audience watching and listening. Project Speech #5 - "Your Body Speaks" gives tips on how to use stance and movement, gestures, facial expression and eye contact naturally to enhance your communication.

Research techniques are developed as you prepare for your roles. If you are providing the word of the week, you will research the word to find out where it came from and what it means. If you are giving the Toast, you may want to look up more information on the weekly theme. If you are giving an Educational Tip, you will want to research your topic and prepare. Speech #7 from the Competent Communicator Manual gives you tips and ideas on how to research your topic to get the facts you need to support your message.

I hope this article has intrigued you and that you will consider joining us. Toastmasters is an international non-profit club run by volunteers to improve our public speaking ability by speaking regularly in a supportive environment with a solid program and helpful feedback.

Anyone over 18 who is interested in public speaking can join. Clubs have a great mix of experienced and beginning speakers, young and old. We believe that a diverse club offers the best learning opportunities.

You can find out more about Toastmasters by checking out the website here You will also be able to find a club near you here


Have a wonderful day.

Fran Watson
Toastmasters District 61

What Is Toastmasters really?

Here is a cute video, which I found posted by Matthew Kleinosky on the Toastmasters Facebook page, about Toastmasters which answers some of the questions that people have about the organization, i.e. what will I learn? what will I have to do? what is the cost? etc.



Now that you know a little more about Toastmasters, read the following to find out more about who would benefit from the program.

"Craig Senior of the Message Masters Toastmasters Club wrote an article "No One Needs Toastmasters!" Message Masters is one of our District 61 Clubs, and the article is about the types of people who can benefit from the Toastmasters programs of Communication and Leadership. Here are some of them and a link to the full article:

So who are the people who could benefit from the training experience provided by Toastmasters or at least knowledge of the Toastmasters program? Here are some ideas that might help you approach specific segments with specific interests:

■job seekers - job interview skills
■employees aspiring to higher management/leadership - to practice running meetings, leadership roles and speaking
■anyone aspiring to become an elected politician
■team leaders - to develop or hone meeting and speaking skills
■entrepreneurs - to present their product or service
■inmates - to build positive life skills
■authors - to present their material and market their book(s)
■high school students - to become comfortable with public speaking and running meeting, through the Youth Leadership Program before the skills are required
■post-secondary students - to prepare for the job market or to present their thesis BEFORE the skills are required
■contest judges for other organizations
■speechwriters - nothing like first-hand experience to know what works and what doesn't work
■corporate communications professionals - to practice and hone their craft
■video and media students - great place to practice creating how to videos, articles, press releases, and reports

Read the full article here:

If you haven't already done so, check out a club near you. You may be surprised what you can learn.

Fran Watson
member of 3 Toastmasters Clubs and
District 61 Public Relations Officer

You can find me on Facebook Toastmasters District 61

Improve Your Speaking Skills with Toastmasters

What Do You Fear?

For some, spiders; for many, ghosts; others would say heights, but there are those who would admit that public speaking is their greatest fear.

It is actually normal. Come to think of it, there is nothing more frightening than having to stand up and speak in front of a group of people who could sleep, shout at you, laugh at you, or leave while you are talking. Even actress Debra Messing of Will and Grace surprisingly had this fear all her life. And she’s an actress! Imagine how much worse this could be for those who haven’t even had the chance to go up om a stage ever in their lives.

Thankfully, public speaking is a fear that can easily be overcome. Even if you are not exactly fearful, but you think you still need improvement, you can improve your public speaking skills quite easily by following the tips below.

Be prepared and practice.
The value of preparation can never be overemphasized. It adds confidence and substance to your speech. Research your topic well and try to find the best way to present it. Outline your points and use cue cards if necessary. Practice your delivery to make sure that your talk will not exceed the time allotted for you and also so you can assess your delivery. If you are to speak at a very important engagement, try to practice your speech in front of someone who could properly assess how you have done.

Know your audience.
Technically, this is still part of being prepared but it is so important that it calls for a separate entry. Knowing your audience provides you with valuable insight on the type of presentation that would appeal best to them. It guides whether you can be casual and funny or whether you would have to be serious and sophisticated. It also gives you great input in streamlining your speech by suggesting what you need to include and what you can do without.

Dress the part.
As much as we refuse to admit, image is everything. How the audience responds to you highly depends on how they perceive you. Generally, you would appear as a more convincing speaker if you are dressed well. Also, since the audience will have to look at you anyway, might as well make that experience a pleasant one for them.

KISS. Keep It Short and Simple.
Even geniuses have limited attention spans. Do not bore your audience to death with a speech that is too long. The faster you can get your message across, the better. A short and simple message also appears smarter and it prevents you from being perceived as someone who came unprepared. It also allows your listeners to retain what you have said easily.

In addition to these, your public speaking skills will also be improved if you practice establishing eye contact with your audience. Also, if the occasion and your resources will permit, you can use visual aids such as slide presentations, product samples, handouts, etc to stimulate your audience’s attention. To cap off your presentation, you should be able to answer the audience’s question confidently and with tact.

Remember that there could really come a time when you will have no other choice but to speak in public. So you might as well be ready when that time comes. It could either be a disastrous or a pleasant experience for you; and you have all the power to make the most out of it. Follow the tips above and you’ll surely be on your way to become a natural at public speaking.

Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org)can help you develop your communication skills. Find out more information and check to see clubs in your area.

You too can become a confident speaker

Fran

District 61 Public Relations Officer

Toastmasters Conferences

Just back from an action packed weekend of Toastmasters. I attended the Toastmasters District 61 Fall Conference and had the opportunity to see the 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking - Vikas Jhingran - present a workshop on using emotion to capture the audience. He certainly captured our attention as he gave 3 fantastic speeches, including the one that got him to the world stage.

I also saw a fairly new Toastmaster give her speech as the test speaker for the English Evaluation Contest where she shared her dream of becoming a World Champion and I agree with all of her evaluators - she has the right stuff to get there and I look forward to seeing her on stage in the near future.

The weekend was filled with laughter and workshops and speeches and networking and meals and more. So much so that all I could think of when I got home was sleeping.

As the District 61 Public Relations Officer, I tried to capture some of the event and did a couple of video interviews which I uploaded to YouTube. But there is so much to a conference, it is impossible to capture the spirit of it. You have to be there to really drink it all in. If you ever have a chance to attend a Toastmasters Conference - take it. The next one for our District is in Vaudreuil at the end of April, but no matter where you live, there is a Toastmasters event near you. Check it out.

Fran
P.S. Here is a link to some of the videos I took videos

Videos

Hi

Are you using videos to help you with your public speaking? Do you tape yourself, or have someone tape your speech, and then sit down to review how you used your gestures, your vocal variety, your eye contact, etc.? If not, you should consider doing it as it will help you develop your public speaking skills more quickly.

This is a mini video that we used to promote our Poetry Night for our Toastmasters Club. When I watch it I can see many things that I need to change.

So, go ahead, be brave. Videotape your next speech, and begin improving by leaps and bounds.

Fran
P.S. Click here to learn more

Toastmasters Builds Leaders

How to Become an Ideal Leader

When you are at work, do you get frustrated because things don't seem to be happening the way they’re supposed to be? You see people milling around but nothing gets accomplished. And in the daily hustle and bustle, do you feel that your goals remain just that – goals. Then maybe its time for you to stand up and do something about it.

Most people are content just to stand around listening for orders. And it isn't unusual to adopt a follow-the-leader mentality. But maybe, somewhere inside of you, you feel the desire to make things happen – to be the head, not the tail. Then maybe leadership just suits you fine.

Some people believe that great leaders are made, not born. Yes, it may be true that some people are born with natural talents. However, without practice, without drive, without enthusiasm, and without experience, there can be no true development in leadership.

You must also remember that good leaders are continually working and studying to improve their natural skills. This takes a commitment to constantly improve in whatever endeavor a person chooses.

First of all, let's define leadership. To be a leader, one must be able to influence others to accomplish a goal, or an objective. He contributes to the organization and cohesion of a group.

Contrary to what most people believe, leadership is not about power. It is not about harassing people or driving them using fear. It is about encouraging others towards the goal of the organization. It is putting everyone on the same page and helping them see the big picture of the organization. You must be a leader not a boss.

First of all, you have to get people to follow you. How is this accomplished?

People follow others when they see a clear sense of purpose. People will only follow you if they see that you know where you are going. Remember that bumper sticker? The one that says, don't follow me, I'm lost too? The same holds true for leadership. If you yourself do not know where you're headed to, chances are people will not follow you at all.

You yourself must know the vision of the organization. Having a clear sense of hierarchy, knowing who the bosses are, who to talk to, the organization's goals and objectives, and how the organization works is the only way to show others you know what you are doing.

Being a leader is not about what you make others do. It's about who you are, what you know, and what you do. You are a reflection of what you're subordinates must be.

Studies have shown that one other bases of good leadership is the trust and confidence your subordinates have of you. If they trust you they will go through hell and high water for you and for the organization.

Trust and confidence is built on good relationships, trustworthiness, and high ethics.

The way you deal with your people, and the relationships you build will lay the foundation for the strength of your group. The stronger your relationship, the stronger their trust and confidence is in your capabilities.

Once you have their trust and confidence, you may now proceed to communicate the goals and objectives you are to undertake.

Communication is a very important key to good leadership. Without this you can not be a good leader. The knowledge and technical expertise you have must be clearly imparted to other people.

Also, you can not be a good leader and unless you have good judgment. You must be able to assess situations, weigh the pros and cons of any decision, and actively seek out a solution.

It is this judgment that your subordinates will come to rely upon. Therefore, good decision-making is vital to the success of your organization.

Leaders are not do-it-all heroes. You should not claim to know everything, and you should not rely upon your skills alone.

You should recognize and take advantage of the skills and talents your subordinates have. Only when you come to this realization will you be able to work as one cohesive unit.

Remember being a leader takes a good deal of work and time. It is not learned overnight. Remember, also, that it is not about just you. It is about you and the people around you.

So, do you have the drive and the desire to serve required of leaders? Do you have the desire to work cooperatively with other people? Then start now. Take your stand and be leader today.

Toastmasters International recently went through a rebranding process and the new motto is "Toastmasters Where Leaders Are Made".

You may wonder... "what does public speaking have to do with leadership?", but communication is one of the skills a leader must have in order to lead. You also learn leadership in a club by taking on meeting roles such as Toastmaster and Table Topics Master or General Evaluator or Speech Evaluator.

If you haven't yet checked out Toastmasters, why not look for a club near you by going to the Toastmasters International website and click on "Find A Club".

I am a member of District 61 and you can find more information about our clubs here

Perhaps we will meet at a conference some time!

Please feel free to comment below.

Fran Watson

P.S. If you would like a list of over 800 speech topics, click here

P.P.S. Once you have received your list, you will also receive weekly tips on public speaking.