A Gallop Poll Communication Survey revealed that the use of filler words such as “and, um, like, you know” annoyed 69% of people surveyed. What are “filler words” or “Verbal pauses”? Words and sounds that don’t add anything to your message. … Continue reading
I’ve been in Toastmasters since 1987. My husband joined Toastmasters recently. He is discovering public speaking basics. Thanks to all Toastmasters meetings online, my husband decided to jump in and join. Since then, listening to my husband, Bruce, has been … Continue reading
An oxymoron is usually two words or concepts that do not go together but are used together. Sprinkling your speech with some oxymorons can put a smile on your listeners’ faces. Especially if you pause after using one to let … Continue reading
Voice and vocal variety are critical components of public speaking. Dr. Albert Mehrabian, a professor, and researcher at UCLA, reported that our voice relays 38% of a message. Psychologists and physicians listen not only to words but to voice. The … Continue reading
COVID-19. Whoever could have imagined such an event. And one that is dragging on for who knows how long. You can make the most of this period of social distancing by joining Toastmasters. During these times, Toastmasters is a good idea. Continue reading
In this post, I am sharing a marvelous exercise to keep your mouth ready for speaking. As a professional speaker and member of Toastmasters for over 30 years, I experience my mouth not working after a period of not speaking. Sentences … Continue reading
Is it okay to include a risque element within a speech if it beautifully illustrates a point? I took a chance and delivered a risque speech in Zoom rated “R,” or at least a strong “PG.” I couldn’t resist because … Continue reading
I recently gave a humorous Zoom speech about my aquarium. This is what happened and what I learned. It was an ambitious experiment, I’ll admit. It was the first virtual meeting for a Toastmaster club I belong to. I wanted … Continue reading
John Travolta became legendary at the 2014 Oscars – but for the wrong reason. Here are three tips to prepare for introductions. The mistake went viral! John Travolta introduced a singer whose name is Idina Menzel; he introduced her as … Continue reading
Parables and stories in your talks, especially if you create them, will aid the audience in understanding and remember your message. I am sharing with you one of my most favorite personal parables and how I created it. I’ve used … Continue reading
One of the most valuable coaching tips I received as a TEDx speaker is to show, don’t tell, my stories. The Coach Kymberlee Weil of Strategic Samurai Speech Coaching I shared in a previous post my experience as a TedX Camarillo speaker, … Continue reading
I’ll never forget the day I transcribed a recording of the Dream speech I was on vacation in a little cabin nestled among the pines in Northern California. The year was 1991. As I listened to a CD recording and … Continue reading
Thanks to Toastmasters International, you can receive excellent training to prepare and deliver a talk without joining a Toastmasters club. It is called “FAST TRACK.” It is a short course, available as an internet resource for a one-time cost of … Continue reading
iamgoingtosharewithyouthepitfallsoffasttalking. WHAT? Say again? Like reading the opening sentence without punctuation, it takes work to decipher the message of a fast-talker. Whether you are giving a presentation, talking on the phone, in meetings, or one-on-one conversations, audiences don’t like to … Continue reading
“Have a plan, don’t wing it.” is sound advice to follow when you write and deliver a talk. A good Toastmaster friend, the beloved Dick Churchill, was known for providing abundant guidance to speakers. It wasn’t unusual to receive copious … Continue reading
