This article has been moved to an all new site specializing in public speaking and presenting.  To find the article, just click on the link below:

MyPresenting.com

Here’s a technique I recommend people use when they have a long commute or quiet time away from others (I suggest away from others since you may feel a little silly doing it around other people.) Turn on your radio and turn to a talk or news program. Find a story or topic and listen to about five minutes on that topic. Now turn off the radio. For the next minute (you can time yourself using the car clock) talk out loud on the topic. Try to recall as many facts and details as you can while weaving your words into a cohesive and coherent oratory.

This exercise will:

• Challenge your listening skills
• Test your recall
• Force you to think dynamically
• Practice “buying yourself time” when speaking to link your thoughts together
• Encourage thinking “one sentence ahead”

Taking advantage of opportunities to push yourself out of your comfort zone as a speaker is the only true way to grow and develop. Give it a try…you may surprise yourself.

This article has been moved to an all new site specializing in public speaking and presenting. To find the article, just click on the link below:

MyPresenting.com

As a member of the Lancaster, PA Conestoga Toastmasters Club I was proud to participate in their 1,000 th meeting on Wednesday of this week. Instead of a traditional meeting format we had eight speakers present what Toastmasters means to them.

I can honestly say that this was one of the best collections of speeches I’ve seen in quite a long time. The variety, quality, humor, and passion were engaging and affirming to the value Toastmasters brings to everyone who participates.

I’m hoping to post the text of my speech later this week.

Here’s an easy way to practice for your times in the table topics hot seat. While shaving in the morning, (or makeup time ladies) use that face time in the mirror to talk about a topic you heard about the day before. Two main benefits here. One – it’s dead time otherwise so it’s being put to good use now. Two – you can’t get hung up on your speaking appearance when your nose is up in the air and you’re shaving under your chin (or better yet using that little Frankenstein machine to curl eyelashes).

Every chance you get to practice a one minute speech on a topic is prepping you for your next table topic and ultimately making you a better general communicator since you’ll be able to say your piece without rambling on and on and on and on…