Mar 09
You may hear this argument every day. Here’s an opinion from Rich Hopkins that puts it to bed.
Read MoreRegardless of your perspective, can you really argue that a speaker with great presentation skills and a strong message will trump anyone who only has one or the other?
Mar 08
Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day. Today is the last point, 6. Give Yourself a Break
Give yourself a break. It takes time to develop good speaking ability. Be patient and continue to practice. You’ll encounter a few setbacks. Nevertheless, your oral communication skills will continue to improve little-by-little.
It does take time to develop good speaking ability. Research your topic. Read books and websites. Join Toastmasters. Be committed.
Giving yourself a break is ok if that means you are going to relax. Just don’t presume that little-by-little will make you a star speaker.
Mar 07
Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day. Today is 5. Relax
Relax. Due to nervousness, some people cannot communicate well with others. Shyness and anxiety can affect your speech. Learn how to relax. Breathing exercises can help. Once your mind and body calms down, your speech will be clear and understandable.
This is good advice. Goes well with being present. Working out before a speech can also help.
Mar 06
Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day. Today is 4. Expand Your Vocabulary
Expand your vocabulary. A limited vocabulary can impact the way a person expresses themselves. In turn, this can affect oral communication. Attempt to learn a new word every few days, and incorporate this word into your everyday speech. Be natural and use the word in the proper context.
How could I possibly disagree with this advice? There’s a Word of the Day role in Toastmasters after all.
Well I do.
A good vocabulary is good, but dazzling people with yours is not the point of public speaking. There’s so much more that should be addressed in public speaking before this. So many things missing from the article’s list of 6. Learn to tell stories in the vocabulary you have. If you like words, use more rhetorical devices such as alliteration, and rhyming.
Mar 05
Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day. Today is 3. Take a public speaking class
Take a public speaking class. Several job positions entail oral presentations. Employees who lack speaking ability might consider enrolling in a public speaking course. These classes are an excellent tool, and they train students on how to speak with confidence and conviction.
Or, even better, join Toastmasters! Who has the money these days to take a full-blown class? How do you know who is a good teacher? More and more I am seeing employers recommend their employees attend Toastmasters. You can be in Toastmasters for 20 years before equaling the cost of a speaking class.
Mar 04
Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day. Today is 2. Slow down
Slow down. Speaking too rapidly can result in muddle speech and poor word choice. Think before you speak. People who speak too fast often rush their thoughts.
These are some reasonable points of view about speaking. Good advice for beginning speakers no doubt. Slowing down is not enough. Variety is the key. Just because you speak slower doesn’t mean you are thinking before you speak. And, how does one think while speaking??!
If you want to boil it down to one thought:
There’s a lot that goes into being present. Give your brain chance to engage while speaking. If that means slowing down, then do it.
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