What I learned: I have a lot more to learn! At this level of the game – at the Semifinals and World Champion of Public Speaking contests – it’s the minor things that make a major difference! Do NOT go over time Two of my competitors were automatically disqualified because they went over the 7 minute…
After winning 1st-place at the District 39 Toastmasters 2013 Spring Conference’s “International Speech” contest on May 18, 2013, in Stockton, CA, I want to share the public speaking tips I follow to keep myself screaming with confidence: I breathe. I smile. I stand up, often. I shake my legs out periodically. And I also stand on…
Each speech does not have to be perfect. You can mess up your next speech too. Your speaking path is an arc of fumbles that leads to self-confidence. When it comes to practicing public speaking in front of your Toastmasters club, feeling the feeling of feeling awkward is your goal. Flip the script on your…
The first words out of Tracy Harrison’s mouth: “Well, do you want the truth?” “Yes,” I said, smiling wide (not having any idea of the honesty that was about to sledgehammer me upside the head). “I didn’t like your speech just now, and I didn’t like it when you gave it at the Toastmasters District…
Take The Fear Out Of A Speech Competition – Workshop During the workshop (part of the Regret Nothing™ Series), I asked audience members to describe what their speech competition fears are: I’m afraid I’ll trip and fall on the way to the stage. Everybody is looking at me and judging me. I’m overly concerned about…
Correction. Good eye contact makes your audience think you’re a badass! Whether you’re speaking to your board of directors, investors, customers, employees, or competing at a Toastmasters International Speech Contest, good eye contact makes you look confident! As Chris Anderson, TED Talks Conference curator, observes in his article How To Give A Killer Presentation in Harvard Business…