Toastmasters International Semifinals 2nd-place Winning Speech – A Good Harvest – 2013

Click here to read just the story, A Good Harvest, without all of the staging cues. A GOOD HARVEST Final draft: August 20, 2013 • Read-through time: 6:45 (Speech text with === [stage directions] ===) === OPENING OF SPEECH === === CENTER-STAGE BACK === [Starting at the back of the stage, walk to the front…

Toastmasters Public Speaking Demo – Nov 4, 2022

Good public speaking demo at this evening’s Capital City Toastmasters – Midtown Sacramento in-person meeting! Two guests, and a 3rd that wished to participate but we ran out of time. Address sweaty palms and a flush face with an equally-physical response: a deep breath. It allows you to mentally reset, adds a purposeful pause, and…

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Helena Rhim’s First Toastmasters Speech Kicked Ass!

Since I evaluated Helena Rhim’s Toastmasters speech, I asked her what she was physically experiencing while she was speaking: My body was shaking When I paused I could feel my face turning red I felt the vein in neck throbbing My hands were clammy Even though she was nervous and experienced all of these symptoms,…

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Practicing Panic Makes You A Better Speaker

Why is embracing panic so important? Because… Appearing calm under pressure is a sign of leadership. Not knowing how to respond to panic can prevent you from starting in the first place. Fear of public speaking. Fear of failure. Fear of getting punched in the face. Fear of starting your own business. Fear of looking stupid…