HOW I BECAME A BETTER SPEAKER

Heck, it didn’t even cross my mind that I needed to improve my speaking skills.

I thought my presentation abilities were just fine, thank you very much! After all, I had given plenty of speeches in my professional life, having presented to small groups, large groups, Fortune 500 companies, professional associations, co-workers, and more.  But just like an athlete who does not train their muscles regularly, my “speaking muscles” had grown weak.

What changed all that? About one year ago, my company, IMPACT Group, initiated an on-site Toastmasters club.  This group is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a worldwide network of clubs. And that began my year-long journey to get my speaking muscles back in shape.  Here is what made me a better speaker:

• I GAVE SPEECHES EVERY 4-6 WEEKS. Nothing beats the actual experience of preparing for and delivering a speech. The Toastmasters format for new members encourages each individual to complete 10 speech projects, five to seven minutes long. They are designed to develop skills one step at a time. Immediately after my first speech, I felt my confidence grow, just like a runner finishing a 5K race. After several speeches, I found myself improving my dialog with customers, co-workers, and friends; I also initiated conversations with others rather than remain silent.

• I RECEIVED FEEDBACK ON MY SPEECHES. In the corporate world, your presentation may lead to a business deal or perhaps solidify a relationship, but you rarely receive direct feedback on your speaking abilities. With each speech I gave, feedback was provided from a Toastmasters member who encouraged me, praised my positive skills, and pointed out areas for improvement. This enabled me to improve upon my gestures, eye contact, vocal variety, and movements.

• I LISTENED TO OTHER SPEAKERS. Being able to hear others speak improved my listening skills. I consciously looked for positive attributes from their speeches while noting areas that needed improvement. I have to say quite honestly that it was like looking in the mirror at myself – many of the areas I thought needed improvement in others were the exact same aspects I needed to work on in my own speeches.

• I MADE SOME GREAT FRIENDS ALONG THE WAY. How often do you get to know someone better during your everyday routine? The Toastmasters format of speaking gave me insight into my co-workers; we are able to share experiences, laugh together, and revel in the joy of self-improvement. For most of us, we’ve become closer friends now and share a common bond through our club.

Are you looking to build or enhance your leadership and speaking skills? Consider checking out a local Toastmasters club.  If you are in the St. Louis area, stop by our club, Voices of IMPACT.  We are an “open” club that welcomes all members from the community.  We meet at Noon on the first, third, and fifth Wednesdays of the month at: IMPACT Group, 12977 North Outer Forty Road, Town & Country, MO.  Check out our website to learn more:  4846803.toastmastersclubs.org/