I found a use for the word “um.”  I was playing a game of words with friends, and the word “um” worked very well for me.  I did feel a little guilt as I placed the tiles, but it soon, um, faded.

More time on the problem isn’t the way. More guts is. When you expose yourself to the opportunities that scare you, you create something scarce, something others won’t do.

Seth Godin

If you read many of my posts you will know that I am a huge fan of Craig Valentine.  His latest entry is fantastic.

If you don’t follow this link right now and read his post that you will likely never read it.

http://www.craigvalentine.com/urgency-and-scarcity-in-speaking/

Take a listen to the latest Toastmasters Podcast for an interesting method of developing your own speaking style.

The third in the series of guest blog posts, from my friend and fellow Toastmaster, Cleon Cox:

“But I don’t need Toastmasters”

A common phrase by numerous folks. Some say it because it is a worst fear and that seems to be a good answer. Yet others say it because they already speak and even make money doing it. To me the question is actually how well do you listen, not just hear but listen. Many people mistake one for the other. When we listen we actually can communicate better with our audience and craft our talk to them better so they will benefit more. Speaking is much more than getting over the fear part, it is also the ability to present and not distract our audience.

By listening better we can learn how and where to make a few changes that will keep our audience’s attention thereby fulfilling their expectations to get something and our own expectations that we had an attentive audience.

It isn’t really a case of “needing Toastmasters” but more about what I can give and learn so I continually grow and get better.

Check out Cleon’s Job Finder Support Group.