Some great advice from Seth:

http://sethgodin.typepad.com/seths_blog/2011/12/insulate-yourself.html

I especially like “Seek out uncomfortable situations” since reading The Flinch.

A very useful page on public speaking:

http://www.hallway.com/blogs/schools/school-resources-public-speaking-guide/

I went to a Toastmaster meeting last week where there were 4 speakers.  3 of them are club members, and 1 guest speaker.

The 3 club members had typical evaluations.  The guest speaker received a round-robin evaluation from everyone in the room.

I feel that the round-robin evaluation was so much more effective than the other evaluations, not only for the speaker, but also for the other attendees.  The speaker received a lot more feedback and also could see if there were recurring themes.  The attendees were able to hear different viewpoints and build on what others had said.

Round-robin evaluations seem to be mostly confined to advanced clubs and speech contests.  I have seen so much value in them that I would like to see them more often in regular club meetings.

The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter — it’s the difference between the lightning bug and the lightning.

- Mark Twain

As clear an explanation of vocal variety as I have ever seen.  Thanks Cal.