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.

The second guest blog post, this time from long time Toastmaster friend and Career Strategist, Jennifer Anderson:

As a long-time member of Toastmasters, I am often referred to as “seasoned.”  Sometimes I picture myself on a grill with salt, pepper and garlic powder being liberally applied…

It’s been a long time since I was “grilled” by a thorough evaluator, though!

More often than not, my evaluators will start off by saying that it’s difficult to evaluate someone with my level of experience.  Next they will point out things that I did well.  After that, they struggle to find something to help me grow my skills.

If it sounds like I’m extolling my talent as a speaker – I’m really not!  I know that I have a lot to work on to continue my path to mastery.  And here’s the thing – if when you are my evaluator, you ask me what I’m trying to improve, I will tell you!  Then you’ll have all the charcoal you need to light a big fire under me!

http://careerepiphany.com/