Ahhh.. Toastmasters!

I just turned 25. To me was turned over the role of a Middle Manager.  Pretty young manager in a relatively young organization.  I had on my shoulder bigger responsibilities, with bigger team and bigger engagements such as a town hall meeting where the executives and managers had to take part one day.  Take part and talk at some part.

I was surprised that I had to be asked to speak in front of a crowd I barely know.  I was tongue-tied (it is as if literally my tongue was tied with a strong knot), dumbfounded!  All of a sudden the topic I new very well (and close to my heart --environment) like the palm of my hand sounded Greek or worse, it was alien. Ahhh... Uhmmm... Hmmm... I wish at that moment I was in outer space, clad in steel-like suit with a helmet bubble.  So nobody can recognize me!

After that incident I promised myself to be prepared!  You'll never know when you will be in front of that crowd again. And so I joined Toastmasters!

The much dreaded speeches were underway..  I had no problem with prepared speeches.  As my mentors said, I had the confidence (armed with well thought-of speech) but not with impromptu speeches.

How do you think (& speak) on your feet?  Especially when it is all trembling and sometimes numb..


Let me share with you what I have learned from Toastmasters -- a method called P-R-E-P.  The acronym seems contradicting.  How can you PREPare for an impromptu speech? :)

First, for first-timers, when you are called upon to speak and you need time to think, choose to look at one particular person.  Gaze at him for as long as you need to keep your train of thought moving.  The reason, a mentor said, the normal behavior of the audience is to look at the same direction as the speaker.  And when the "eyes" are off you, you will be relieved of pressure.

So, take a deep breath, relax then proceed with P-R-E-P:
P-oint.  Introduce your point.  State positive/negative stand. Do you believe it or not? Agree or disagree? [Beginning]
R-eason/s.  Support your point by stating why you believe it or not - why you agree or disagree - why you are on the positive or negative side. [Body]
E-xample.  Expound by citing examples, statistics, comparison, illustration, incident or experience, exhibit or demonstration. [Body]
P-oint.  Go back to the initial point mentioned or make a summary. [Closing]

Isn't that easy? :)

Yes, it easy. It becomes easier with practice.  That is why I do not miss my Toastmasters meetings. Let's practice at Toastmasters! [Oh, I just used PREP here!]

Other Patterns that can be used:  SMG - Story, Message, Gain.  PPF - Past, Present, Future.  COMPARE - advantage, disadvantage.  CONTRAST - before, after.
Toastmasters meet at different time and place that fit different professionals, students, everybody!  Check out the website to see the right one for you.  Toastmasters Link

What you'll see in the meeting? Prepared Speeches:  at each meeting of Toastmasters, one or more members will be giving prepared speeches, usually 5-7 minutes in length.  These speeches are designed around a format from one of the various Toastmasters manual.

The formats are intended to help members practice specific communication skills. Our meetings also present an ideal opportunity for members to practice work related speeches in a friendly environment.

Evaluations: After the speeches, each speaker will receive a friendly evaluation from another club member.  The evaluation recognizes speakers for their strengths and gives them valuable insight into problem areas.  It also provides training in listening skills for the evaluators.

Table Topics:  These are short, impromptu speeches, 1-2 minutes in duration, on a topic chosen by the Table Topic Master.  The experience assists members in "thinking on their feet", and expressing themselves clearly and effectively without preparations.

Tips for Succesful Public Speaking
Feeling some nervousness before giving a speech is natural and healthy.  It shows you care about doing well.  Here's how you can control your nervousness and make effective memorable presentations.

I.  Know the room.  Know the audience.
Arrive early, walk around the speaking are and practice using the microphone and any visual aids.  Greet some of the audience as they arrive.  It's easier to speak to a group of friends than to a group of strangers.

2. Know your material.
If you're not familiar with your material or are uncomfortable with it, your nervousness will increase.  Practice your speech and revise it if necessary.

3. Visualize yourself giving your speech.
Imagine yourself speaking, your voice loud and clear and assured.  When you visualize yourself as successful you will be successful.

4. Realize that people want you to succeed.
Audiences want you to be interesting, stimulating and entertaining.  They dont want you to fail.

5. Dont apologize.
If you mention your nervousnessor apologize for any problems you have with your speech, you may be calling the audience's attention to something they hadn't noticed.

6. Gain experience.
Experience builds confidence, which is the key to effective speaking.  A toastmasters club can provide the experience you need.


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