Take a Public Speaking Class

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.

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Slow Down

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:

  • be present

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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Practice Aloud

Mar 03

Following up on the article on how to become a better speaker, I am addressing one point each day.  Today is 1. Practice Aloud

Practice aloud. The only way to become a better speaker is to practice speaking. At first, you’ll likely feel uncomfortable speaking in front of an audience. However, you can improve your speaking ability by reading aloud, or reciting a monologue to yourself or friend. Enunciate your words and speak clearly.

You can improve your speaking ability by reading aloud.  You can if you do it well.  Practice without knowing what you are doing is not necessarily going to help.  Getting better at a bad habit will only hurt in the long run.

Practicing is not the only way to get better.  Reading about it will help.  Watching good speakers will help.  It is perhaps the best way.

Finally, reading  material intended for your eyes is not the best way to be a natural public speaker.  Words intended for your ear are quite different.

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How to Become a Better Speaker

Mar 02

Interesting eHow article on how to become a better speaker.

There are 6 points, and I disagree with at least 5 of them!

Take a couple of minutes to read the article today.  Over the next 6 days I will go through each point and say why I disagree.

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