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...]
How open do we need to be as speakers?
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...]
Speech Challenge: Gone in 60 minutes
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...]
Toastmasters Pathways Part 2
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...]
Toastmasters Pathways Part 1
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...]
An Evolutionary Approach to Overcoming the fear of Public Speaking
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...]
2 Simple Tips to Improve your Table Topics
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...]
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...]
PowerPoint vs Prezi, Which is better?
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...]
The Number 1 Mistake to Avoid for Digital Presentations
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...]