From Lance Miller:

If I am in front of an audience, that had better be the most importand group of people in my life at that moment.

Three attributes that are essential go great feedback.  Without them you are abusing a “knee-jerk ability to pontificate.”

Interesting video on how photography is not about megapixels, but instead about “moments and stories.”  This applies to speaking.  Engaging with your audience is not about mechanics.  Vocal variety is nice, gestures helpful, and organization useful, but seriously, connecting with your audience is more about telling stories.

No matter what your next speech, see if you can get your message across with stories.

Fascinating and humorous post by Scott Adams.

Think about that post when you are preparing your next speech.  How complex is the information you are presenting?  Does your audience need to know the information, or are you trying to impress with your knowledge about the subject?

YAPFS (Yet another post from Seth):

The best part of college is that you could become whatever you wanted to become, but most people just do what they think they must.

I feel this way about Toastmasters.  It works really well when inexperienced speakers join a club.  They see how experienced members make eye contact, come out from behind the lecturn, and tell stories.

The problem is that experienced Toastmasters rarely push the bounds of what is possible.  Your speech can be anything.  Take a risk.  Be yourself.

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