Storytelling is probably one of the most powerful components you can add to any talk or presentation. It is entertaining. It helps your message stick. And if the stories are from your own life or experience, they minimize the need for memorization. 
There is a lot of discussion about whether to memorize a speech or use notes. Most will encourage you to use notes vs reading or memorizing a speech. Consider incorporating images in speech notes for shorter glances at your notes! … Continue reading
I recently delivered two talks utilizing the instruction in one of Toastmaster’s Pathway Projects – Managing a Difficult Audience. It was challenging but fun to have participants take on various roles as problematic audience members. I invited participants to take … Continue reading
Never turn down a speaking opportunity. Just do it! Say “YES!” We may often want to say “no” to speaking opportunities because we fear making mistakes – appearing foolish. Yet, mistakes are the stepping-stones to excellence. So be willing to … Continue reading
Storytelling is a critical component of good speechmaking, whether to one or an audience of thousands. You can enhance storytelling skills with Tall Tales. The story, true or not, paints a picture for an audience’s eye to see, experience, and, … Continue reading
Mastering public speaking can, and will, impact your life in a significantly positive way. Here are ten reasons to master public speaking: 1) Confidence Overcoming the #1 fear most people refuse to face increases your confidence and self-esteem. Public surveys … Continue reading
Besides weddings and retirements, New Year is ripe for quotes and toasts. Here are some quotes and toasts that are appropriate for the new year and new beginnings. Anonymous Quotes and Toasts for the New Year and New Beginnings Irish Quotes … Continue reading
When it comes to reaching your audience, simple words and sentence structure work best. Speak simply when speaking! In his book, The Sir Winston Method: The Five Secrets of Speaking the Language of Leadership, the author asks us to imagine what … Continue reading
In public speaking, eye contact is serious business, whether to one person or an audience of a thousand. Eye contact on Zoom is serious, too. In the western hemisphere and other cultures worldwide*, making eye contact is a sign of … Continue reading
Here is a way to really WOW your audience when delivering a PowerPoint presentation using Zoom. Recently I gave a talk about Yellowstone on Zoom. I made PowerPoint my virtual background so my face showed up on the screen over … Continue reading
In May, I prepared and delivered a speech about Memorial Day. Challenged with scattered ideas and thoughts about the content, I decided to use a mindmap. That did the trick. You may want to mindmap your next presentation. What is … Continue reading
Each year in August, you can grab the best in public speaking training and resources via the Toastmasters Conventions online. The Toastmasters International Convention can be attended virtually! Consequently, there is no need to leave the comfort of your home! … Continue reading
I recently gave a 20-minute keynote about hearing loss. The reviews and responses were overwhelmingly positive. Here are ten reasons I believe contributed to the successful keynote. The title of the talk is “WHAT? 10 Questions Most Often asked about … Continue reading
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
