Why Toastmasters
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a prepared speech or animpromptu one to serving astimer, evaluator orgrammarian.There is no instructor;instead, each speech andmeeting is critiqued by amember in a positivemanner, focusing on whatwas done right and whatcould be improved.Good communicators tend tobe good leaders.
Because Communication
Isn't
Optional
Whetherverbal or nonverbal, let’sface it – communicationisn’t optional.Every day we are taskedwith a variety of situationswhere communicationcomes into play. How manytimes have you heard, “
I could see it on your face
”or, “
Your body language speaks volumes
”? Howmany times have youspoken off-the-cuff and thenlater wished you’d saidsomething else?Developing and honing thisimportant skill, along withthe other skills you gain inToastmasters, will give youthe confidence you need ina variety of areas, bothpersonally andprofessionally.In these tough economictimes, your skills are even
Top 10 Tips for
Public Speaking
Know your material
- Pick atopic you’re interested in; usehumor, personal stories andconversational language.
Revise as necessary
-Workto control filler words: practice(with a timer), pause & breathe
Know the audience
-Greetsome of the audiencemembers as they arrive; it iseasier to speak to friends thanto strangers.
Know the room
-Arrive early,walk around the speakingarea, practice using the micand any visual aids.
Relax
-Begin by addressingthe audience, it buys you timeand calms your nerves. Pause,smile and count to three.
Visualize
-
Imagine yourselfspeaking, your voice is clearand confident; visualize theaudience applauding
Realize people want you tosucceed
-Audiences want youto be interesting, informativeand entertaining. They’rerooting for you!
Don’t apologize
-You mayfeel nervous, or there may be aproblem, but don’t bring it tothe audience’s attention; theyprobably never noticed it.
Concentrate on theMessage, not the Medium
-Focus your attention on youraudience and message andaway from any anxieties.
Gain Experience
-Yourspeech should represent
you
as an authority and person.Experience builds confidence,which is key to effectivespeaking.
Tips provided by John Frazier,Advanced Toastmaster Bronze
COMMUNICATOR
Monthly publication ofMarion United ToastmastersClub 1166374, Ocala, FLTM Laura Byrnes, editorVP Public RelationsMarionUnitedTM@gmail.com(352) 816-1264CC Jane Potter, presidentMarion United ToastmastersMarionUnitedTM@gmail.comVisit us on the Web
MarionUnitedToastmasters.com
more important. Maybe youare looking for a job?Having the competitiveedge may be what landsyou the position. InToastmasters, you practicethinking on your feet. Themore you practice, the moreself-confidence you gain,which will give you theadvantage you need.arguments, summations orcross-examinations andconduct yourself in a clearand concise manner in thecourtroom.Whatever the case may be,Toastmasters is theanswer!
Why Join?
Survey aftersurvey shows that presentation
Does your current job require you togive businesspresentations?You can developand polish theseskills by workingthrough theCommunication
Track in the Toastmasterseducational program. Bycontinuously practicing yourspeeches, as well as thecomponents, such asspeech organization, timing,vocal variety and gestures,you will have gained theability to present a powerfulpresentation. Toastmasterstraining also creates greatteachers – the kind wholead classes or trainingsessions effectively. You’llbe able to perfect newinstructional techniques,gain experience anddevelop the confidence tobecome a great teacher.Maybe you are an attorneyor in law school?Toastmasters is the idealplace to perfect yourpersuasive speaking skillsso that you are able topresent persuasive opening
skills are crucialto success in theworkplace. Manypeople pay highfees
for seminarsto gain the skilland confidencenecessary to facean audience.
Toastmasters provides anoption that is less expensiveand held in high regard inbusiness circles. Thisorganization has beenaround for more than 84years and offers a proven – and enjoyable – way topractice and honecommunication andleadership skills.As a result of joiningToastmasters and activelytaking part, you will Learn tocommunicate moreeffectively, become a betterlistener, improve yourpresentation skills, increaseyour leadership potential,become more successful inyour career, build yourability to motivate andpersuade, reachprofessional and personalgoals, and gain confidence.
COMMUNICATOR ISSUE 02 | OCT 2009 P.2
“The best way tolearn how to lead is to become a Leader” —
John Frazier, ATMB
Did You Know: next year “Speak Easy,” a full-lengthdocumentary about the 2008 World Championshipof Public Speaking, will bereleased by Tumbleweed“ Entertainment !
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