Before I start writing on this topic, I seek the indulgence of senior Toastmasters. I am too “young” a member in Toastmasters and perhaps not directly qualified to broach this subject. But mention I must as I see it from my perspective.
Having a powerful opening and closing, diction, body language, maintaining eye contact, covering a fair area of space available – if applicable, etc. are good traits and requirements of any good orator. While it may be appropriate to mention the above observations during the evaluation, does it suffice to stop with that?
http://www.HowToOwnTheStage.com
Darren LaCroix, Toastmasters 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, was invited to be the first World Champion Speaker to give a speech at a Toastmasters club in main land China. This video documents his visit. Though Darren is not a spokesman for Toastmasters International, he enjoys inspiring others and promoting Toastmasters as an “unofficial” ambassador. Sit in and watch highlights of the this “first time” experience. Darren talk about how Toastmasters not only helped him with his fear of public speaking, but how it gave him the tools to go on to become a professional speaker. Join Darren in Shanghai, China.
I finished what I considered at the time possibly the most difficult project in the Toastmasters speaking manuals: Cold Calling. It is from the Persuasive Speaker Advanced Communication Manual. But in many ways, it is one of the best projects.
While I did my project on selling consulting/coaching services to a law firm, it made me think about promoting Toastmasters as well. Ever fear to “sell” Toastmasters? Surprised by some people’s conception of Toastmasters? Well, it should not be any surprise. What Toastmasters represents, just as any solution you might wish to sell is:
The Seven Thinking Sins of Public Speaking
September 9, 2008 by Olivia Mitchell
Here are the Top 10 Thinking Sins that contribute to the fear of public speaking.
1. My presentation must go perfectly
Truth: There is no such thing as a perfect presentation. And neither is it a laudable goal. Audiences prefer authentic to polished, they prefer conversational to slick. It’s normal to stumble over a word or forget for a moment what you want to say next. Your audience will forgive you.
Lagoon Toastmasters is a chapter of Toastmasters international in Sharjah UAE, a leading non- profit organization devoted to making effective oral communication as a world wide reality.
Mission of the Club
The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.
