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Having a Laugh – From Toastmasters to Stand-up

August 12, 2018 by conorfi Leave a Comment

From a young age I enjoyed comedy,  raised on a comedy feast of such shows such as Fawlty Towers and Monty Python.  For John Cleese fans, yes, a fish called Wanda was also watched. This love of comedy stayed with me through to Adulthood. Open Mic Nights in Sydney Fast forward to the winter of 2008, Sydney, Australia. Sitting in a bar on … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: comedy, fear, humorous speech, stand-up, toastmasters

How open do we need to be as speakers?

May 25, 2018 by conorfi Leave a Comment

Some time ago I was enjoying the music of a Singer-songwriter,  between songs she spoke so openly to the audience. Her openness seemed to endear her to the audience, it seems that singer-songwriters naturally display openness with their audience. Although as public speakers we are often not open and thus lose the opportunity to truly engage with … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: open, public-speaking, toastmasters, vulnerability

Speech Challenge: Gone in 60 minutes

February 12, 2018 by conorfi 2 Comments

60 minute speech challenge toastmasters

A member of my toastmaster's club recently set me a challenge, deliver a 5-7 minute speech on a topic with just 60 minutes preparation, rather than the typical number of weeks to prepare. The reasoning behind the challenge was to focus more on delivery than content. Challenge accepted... To make it a little more challenging it would be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: AIM, challenge, map, mapping, mind, speech, toastmasters

Toastmasters Pathways Part 2

July 22, 2017 by conorfi Leave a Comment

toastmasters pathways

In Pathways: Toastmasters Revitalized Education Program Part 1 we covered the Five key concepts of the existing education program and why the education program is changing. Next we will cover the details of Pathways What is Pathways? Pathways seeks to solve the problems addressed above by providing integrated communication and leadership, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: communication, education program, leadership, pathways, toastmasters

Toastmasters Pathways Part 1

July 22, 2017 by conorfi Leave a Comment

toastmasters pathways

Toastmasters revitalized education program, known as Pathways, might be the biggest change in its history Most Toastmasters will have 2 questions. How will Pathways differ from the existing program? How it will affect me as a members of Toastmasters? This 2 part blog explains the existing education program and why it needs to be … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: communication, eduation program, leadership, pathways, toastmasters

An Evolutionary Approach to Overcoming the fear of Public Speaking

November 27, 2016 by conorfi 4 Comments

conorfi_public_Speaking_fear

Does the world really need another blog on overcoming the fear of public speaking? Maybe ..my experience with public speaking is that your ability to manage fear and nervousness is an evolutionary process. There is no quick fix or one fits all approach. Only by speaking in front of groups countless times can you take this evolutionary … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: anxiety, fear, managing, nervousness, overcoming, Public_speaking, skills, tips, toastmasters

2 Simple Tips to Improve your Table Topics

November 6, 2016 by conorfi Leave a Comment

toastmasters_table_topics_improve

Table topics - "Please don't call on me." Table Topics is a integral part of  Toastmasters, intended to help members develop their ability to quickly respond to an impromptu question or topic. The Topics session features in every Toastmaster meeting to give us all a chance to improve Impromptu speaking skills. Theses skills can helps outside of … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: improve, table_topics, toastmasters, topics

Public Speaking 101: How to structure Content

October 27, 2016 by conorfi Leave a Comment

public-speaking-101-how-to-structure-content

Introduction This blog is based on Toastmasters material and my experience structuring content through my toastmasters speeches. There are three phases to this creating great content for your speech. Firstly, the purpose of your presentation Secondly, get to know your audience Finally, the structuring of your content. 1. General … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: content, public-speaking, purpose, speech triangle, toastmasters

PowerPoint vs Prezi, Which is better?

October 20, 2016 by conorfi Leave a Comment

prezi_vs_powerpoint_digital_presentaions

For the last number of years I have used both Both Powerpoint and Prezi for presentations. After delivering a Prezi presentation I always get the same question, which is better, Powerpoint or Prezi? My answer is always the same, it depends on the context. Context You determine which is better based on your presentation. Is your … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: comparision, digital presentaions, powerpoint, prezi, public-speaking, toastmasters

The Number 1 Mistake to Avoid for Digital Presentations

October 16, 2016 by conorfi Leave a Comment

digital-presentaions-mistake

  When I first joined toastmasters I thought digital presentations were all about the content. I followed the usual tips Write the speech first and only then create the slides Keep the slides simple and concise (less is more) Use colour appropriately Don’t over use animations and transitions Ensure all text, images and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: public-speaking Tagged With: digital presentaions, eye-contact, mistake, powerpoint, prezi, public-speaking, toastmasters

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