Debra,
Thanks - a useful summary. You have made it clear that it's not perhaps as easy as it's made to look by the 'professionals'.
Having been a member of Toastmasters for 14 years, I would proffer the view that it's not just for 'the true novice! as you suggest. I know many professional speakers who remain active members of Toastmasters because of the hugely supportive and positive learning environment found in Toastmasters clubs. The TM club provides the perfect environment to continue to strive towards perfection. Being a professional speaker is a journey, not a destination: constant feedback is essential and that's what you get at Toastmasters. I would recommend it to EVERYBODY, whether you want to speak professionally or not.
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I agree. I have been a speaker,teacher, trainer, leturer for many years. I have learned a huge amount from the Toastmasters program - in just the last few months. It is also a very positive experience, people working together at high levels of cooperative intelligence.
Dep breath - and try it!
Dep breath - and try it!
I've been a member of Toastmasters for about 31/2 years and have found this group invaluable. Not just for wanting to get into the conference circuit, but also extremely helpful and supportive for building trainer and presentation skills in general.
The site is www.toastmasters.org
The site is www.toastmasters.org
I'll toss in another suggestion, in addition to Toasmasters. This one is aimed specifically to those of us with a technical bent. User Groups. There are a lot of computer User Groups througout the world (go to www.APCUG.Org to find them). In many cases, their topics are of a technical nature.
For 5 years I was the President of the Greater Cleveland PC User Group. We had about 35 or so meetings a month, many of them on technical topics (SQL, VB, Project Management). There were several folks who had tremendous technical expertise but lacked the confidence and skill set necessary to present that information. The User Group environment was a presenter-friendly way for them to practise just that. The folks at the meetings would love to hear the technical "juice," and forgive the presenter their inexperience.
A note of caution. Make sure that the group is interested in the technical topics that you are. Many groups are aimed at hobbyists, or beginners.
Bob
For 5 years I was the President of the Greater Cleveland PC User Group. We had about 35 or so meetings a month, many of them on technical topics (SQL, VB, Project Management). There were several folks who had tremendous technical expertise but lacked the confidence and skill set necessary to present that information. The User Group environment was a presenter-friendly way for them to practise just that. The folks at the meetings would love to hear the technical "juice," and forgive the presenter their inexperience.
A note of caution. Make sure that the group is interested in the technical topics that you are. Many groups are aimed at hobbyists, or beginners.
Bob
Toastmasters will definitely help the public speaker becasue it usually points out the mistakes manyh of us make unintentionally. How many time do you hear a radio commentator, tv announcer, a film celebrity or even your church's pastor constantly saying "You Know or AHH" every few words. It tends to remove their speaking credibility. This group does not judge you abilities or critize them, it only points them out in a game sort of way. There are local to national speaking competitions where youreceive awards and meet many prominant persons. Before enbarking on a public speaking profession, you should try your hand at a Toastmaster's event.
This is a good article, has a lot of information on how to break into the speaking circuit. Toastmaster is a great vehicle for this. It is not just for novices, I have seen accomplished speakers participate in regular club meetings. You learn quite a few things just by attending regularly. I have benefited immensely from having worked for and completed my Competent Toastmaster certificate.
Toastmasters not only improved my self confidence and my ability to do public speaking, but also helped me get two jobs through networking. In my previous company, a fellow Toastmaster club member was instrumental in my promotion to supervisor. It was also a fellow Toastmaster club member who told me about my current job before it was advertised and another fellow Toastmaster club member was the only references called just before I was offered this job. Whatever else you do in life, join Toastmasters if you want to improve your life and meet other people who want to do the same.
This is good stuff keep it up you a good mentor
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