Why You Need to Be a Decent Public Speaker

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The confidence gained by becoming a Toastmaster is beneficial beyond public speaking. It develops the skills needed for proper assertiveness, quick thinking, and researching ability. Those gaining these skills are assets to the Senior Executives and the entire company because they are at the helm within a minute's notice to be an effective representative/presenter. So it doesn't matter that public speaking is not a goal; what does matter is that exceptional communication and leadership skills are beneficial in all aspects of our lives. In honing these skills, we are able to market ourselves in personal and professional arenas.

Carolyne D. Foster of MD 7:47PM August 08, 2010

I have visited a couple of Toastmasters Clubs in Taiwan (2008), in the Bay Area (USA, 2009) and most recently in Shanghai (06/2010) and many in Malaysia and Singapore, I observed one common feature in all cases. Every Toastmaster wants to be an even better public speaker, as there is a never-ending chase to be that elusive ideal one. Only a realization that it's very hard to be perfect at every speech regardless how well regarded by the audience each time. A typical Toastmaster realizes there are so many aspects to think of in making an excellent speech. When it comes to actual delivery, it takes all experience, training, contests, etc, to even come close to personal satisfaction or fulfillment. This explains why some want to perfect his (her) seemingly perfect speech just delivered. For him the effort to refine a speech is perhaps his driven desire to make good what he missed in just one previousl speech. But then no two speeches or the audiences are ever the same. That explains the elusive chase of bettering oneself in public speaking. The chase continues...

Kim-See Teo, DTM 11:26PM July 10, 2010

Thanbk you for mentioning the Toastmaster International program for those who would be better speakers. Go to www.toastmasters.org and see if the program would help you. there are clubs all over the world and I am sure it will help you as much as it has helped me.

Ken Schaefer of NJ 6:27PM July 02, 2010

its lots more easier to say than to do it....well, practice makes perfect

nash of MN 2:33AM June 30, 2010

I don't know if I developed this fear as a kid or if I was born with it, but it seems to be at a whole other level for me.
I don't mind normal nervousness and butterflies, but how do you calm yourself when your heart feels like it is going to explode out of your chest? I wish there was an easy way to instantly get rid if the terrified feeling. The thought of looking nervous is like feedback that gets amplified. I begin to sweat and my voice becomes audibly nervous. It's awful.

Jason of FL 9:39AM June 23, 2010

I really need this. Its just timely for my speaking engagement tomorrow

Mel 9:49AM June 22, 2010

nice

rey 4:37AM June 22, 2010

Yes we will be providing each of you with the respective brochure on the matters of the oil spill in the gulf. It turns out that some of the vendors that we purchased our inventory from are low on their parts. Our inventory is of high value and strictly comes with regulations industrialized by the Government. Therefore we exclusively support the Federal Government in bplaw#2902 in appointing a Board Committee, which includes various Politicians and Educators on the Oil spill. We want to encourage everyone to educate himself or herself on this amended law. We expect every one of you to read the brochure, in addition to the revised office manual given to you by Anna, my Executive Assistant (who by the way is getting married in Paris in 2 weeks). Let’s give her a hand for her superb skills. We appreciate you Anna.
Anyway, everyone will be getting a bonus at the end of the year for doing such a great job. We appreciate all of you for doing what you do.
How's that for publick speaking?

Nene of GA 2:14PM June 21, 2010

I Thank the screw and staff of this great firm for empowering the future through their voluntary teaching on decent public speaking, its a very interest topic for those that want to speak violently in public.

Olufemi Gbodi of NJ 10:42AM June 21, 2010

I really like your "10 Consoling Truths of Public Speaking."
It's also important to practice by speaking up in groups, which I finally learned to do when I was in my 30's, though people had been telling me I SHOULD speak up. Part of the problem I still have is it's hard to listen and talk at the same time (aHA... there's a lesson in that somewhere too, isn't there?) So what I often do is jot a few notes ahead of time to help get me ready to speak, and then when the right moment comes, I'm ready. I have to speak in front of groups at my job a lot now, and yes I still get nervous but knowing I have a really great message, that people really are on my side, and that even goofs are okay and even endearing, really helps a lot. It really helps to write my thoughts down ahead of time, though, even if I don't bring my notes to the group.

Almostgotit.com of TN 6:05PM June 11, 2010