Friday, August 19, 2011
GIVING TALKS
Rule 1: Communicate with excitement. Let loose; don’t act like you are wrapped in Saran Wrap. Get over the idea that you are being judged and stop saying to yourself that’s not me, so I can’t do it. If not now, then when.
Rule 2: Know your audience before giving a talk. Don’t try to give a talk on growing mushrooms when the room is full of medical doctors.
Rule 3: Don’t give a talk on a subject you have little knowledge, and experience. The audience must believe the messenger before they will believe the message.
Rule 4: Communicate with confidence. There is no difference between talking to one person and a group of people.
Rule 5: Practice, practice, practice. The more speeches you give the better you will get.
Rule 6: Have fun and smile a lot.
Rene Roy/ DTM
Member of Twin City Toastmasters
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Congratulations to Our New Officers
Last Tuesday we had elections. Congratulations to all our new officers:
President: Peter Souders
Vice President Education: David Henshaw
Vice President Membership: Bill Burgoyne
Vice President Public Relations: Vielka Jones
Secretary: Rene Roy
Treasurer: Emily Warner
Sgt. At Arms: Yvette Moquin
Past President: John Feeley
Our new officers begin their positions on July 1, 2011. Good luck to all of them!
President: Peter Souders
Vice President Education: David Henshaw
Vice President Membership: Bill Burgoyne
Vice President Public Relations: Vielka Jones
Secretary: Rene Roy
Treasurer: Emily Warner
Sgt. At Arms: Yvette Moquin
Past President: John Feeley
Our new officers begin their positions on July 1, 2011. Good luck to all of them!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Visual Aids & Powerpoint
Helping you present professionally
Visual aids are an important part of many presentations. The most commonly used media are the flipchart and computer-based presentation programs. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your visual aids:
Flipchart
A flipchart mounted on a portable easel works best when used with a relatively small audience – 20 or fewer people. A flipchart can be prepared prior to your presentation. You can also write or draw during your presentation – especially to record audience responses. Use bold colors, but avoid using ink that bleeds through the paper. Don’t look at your flipchart when speaking. If you must write on the flipchart, pause, then resume speaking when you’re done. Use small strips of masking tape to facilitate changing from one page to the next.
Computer-based visuals
The technology is rapidly changing. These days, using a laptop computer and presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint is the norm. Add a screen and other equipment, and you can produce and display dramatic visual aids, including animation and simulations. Computer-based visuals are becoming the standard for most technical, educational or business-related presentations. Useful for large and small audiences, they can convey simple as well as complex information. If you use a remote control, you can change the visuals while walking about the room. To accomplish this you’ll need a data projector, a device that accepts output from a computer and projects it onto a screen. Plan to create the visuals in advance, to ensure all of the electronic components work together and be sure to rehearse with them.
Keep your visual aids:
· Visible
· Simple
· Colorful, but don't let them upstage you
· Justified by the content -- not too many or too few slides
For effective PowerPoint shows:
· Don't read the slides to your audience!
· Make your text large.
· Choose colors that make the text easier to read.
· Use bullet points instead of full sentences.
· Don't let the text or graphics fly around too much.
· Avoid charts and diagrams that are hard to see.
Most Importantly - Remember, you control the presentation; don’t let it control you. PowerPoint should be a “visual aid” – not the entire show.
Visual aids are an important part of many presentations. The most commonly used media are the flipchart and computer-based presentation programs. Here are some suggestions for making the most of your visual aids:
Flipchart
A flipchart mounted on a portable easel works best when used with a relatively small audience – 20 or fewer people. A flipchart can be prepared prior to your presentation. You can also write or draw during your presentation – especially to record audience responses. Use bold colors, but avoid using ink that bleeds through the paper. Don’t look at your flipchart when speaking. If you must write on the flipchart, pause, then resume speaking when you’re done. Use small strips of masking tape to facilitate changing from one page to the next.
Computer-based visuals
The technology is rapidly changing. These days, using a laptop computer and presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint is the norm. Add a screen and other equipment, and you can produce and display dramatic visual aids, including animation and simulations. Computer-based visuals are becoming the standard for most technical, educational or business-related presentations. Useful for large and small audiences, they can convey simple as well as complex information. If you use a remote control, you can change the visuals while walking about the room. To accomplish this you’ll need a data projector, a device that accepts output from a computer and projects it onto a screen. Plan to create the visuals in advance, to ensure all of the electronic components work together and be sure to rehearse with them.
Keep your visual aids:
· Visible
· Simple
· Colorful, but don't let them upstage you
· Justified by the content -- not too many or too few slides
For effective PowerPoint shows:
· Don't read the slides to your audience!
· Make your text large.
· Choose colors that make the text easier to read.
· Use bullet points instead of full sentences.
· Don't let the text or graphics fly around too much.
· Avoid charts and diagrams that are hard to see.
Most Importantly - Remember, you control the presentation; don’t let it control you. PowerPoint should be a “visual aid” – not the entire show.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Because Communication Isn't Optional
Whether verbal or nonverbal, let’s face it – communication isn’t optional.
Every day we are tasked with a variety of situations where communication comes into play. How many times have you heard, “I could see it on your face” or, “Your body language speaks volumes”? How many times have you spoken off-the-cuff and then later wished you’d said something else?
Developing and honing this important skill, along with the other skills you gain in Toastmasters, will give you the confidence you need in a variety of areas, both personally and professionally.
In these tough economic times, your skills are even more important. Maybe you are looking for a job? Having the competitive edge may be what lands you the position. In Toastmasters, you practice thinking on your feet. The more you practice, the more self-confidence you gain, which will give you the advantage you need.
Does your current job require you to give business presentations? You can develop and polish these skills by working through the Communication Track in the Toastmasters educational program. By continuously practicing your speeches, as well as the components, such as speech organization, timing, vocal variety and gestures, you will have gained the ability to present a powerful presentation.
Toastmasters training also creates great teachers – the kind who lead classes or training sessions effectively. You’ teacher.
Maybe you are an attorney or in law school? Toastmasters is the ideal place to perfect your persuasive speaking skills so that you are able to present persuasive opening arguments, summations or cross-examinations and conduct yourself in a clear and concise manner in the courtroom.
Whatever the case may be, Toastmasters is the answer! ll be able to perfect new instructional techniques, gain experience and develop the confidence to become a great
As a result of joining Toastmasters and actively taking part, you will:
• Learn to communicate more effectively.
• Become a better listener.
• Improve your presentation skills.
• Increase your leadership potential.
• Become more successful in your career.
• Build your ability to motivate and persuade.
• Reach your professional and personal goals.
• Increase your self confidence.
Visit a local Toastmasters club today. To find a meeting location near you, go to www.toastmasters.org or visit our local website (Leominster-Fitchburg) at www.twincitytoastmasters.com or call the Twin City Toastmasters President John Feeley at 978-874-166 and start taking advantage of all that Toastmasters has to offer.
Every day we are tasked with a variety of situations where communication comes into play. How many times have you heard, “I could see it on your face” or, “Your body language speaks volumes”? How many times have you spoken off-the-cuff and then later wished you’d said something else?
Developing and honing this important skill, along with the other skills you gain in Toastmasters, will give you the confidence you need in a variety of areas, both personally and professionally.
In these tough economic times, your skills are even more important. Maybe you are looking for a job? Having the competitive edge may be what lands you the position. In Toastmasters, you practice thinking on your feet. The more you practice, the more self-confidence you gain, which will give you the advantage you need.
Does your current job require you to give business presentations? You can develop and polish these skills by working through the Communication Track in the Toastmasters educational program. By continuously practicing your speeches, as well as the components, such as speech organization, timing, vocal variety and gestures, you will have gained the ability to present a powerful presentation.
Toastmasters training also creates great teachers – the kind who lead classes or training sessions effectively. You’ teacher.
Maybe you are an attorney or in law school? Toastmasters is the ideal place to perfect your persuasive speaking skills so that you are able to present persuasive opening arguments, summations or cross-examinations and conduct yourself in a clear and concise manner in the courtroom.
Whatever the case may be, Toastmasters is the answer! ll be able to perfect new instructional techniques, gain experience and develop the confidence to become a great
As a result of joining Toastmasters and actively taking part, you will:
• Learn to communicate more effectively.
• Become a better listener.
• Improve your presentation skills.
• Increase your leadership potential.
• Become more successful in your career.
• Build your ability to motivate and persuade.
• Reach your professional and personal goals.
• Increase your self confidence.
Visit a local Toastmasters club today. To find a meeting location near you, go to www.toastmasters.org or visit our local website (Leominster-Fitchburg) at www.twincitytoastmasters.com or call the Twin City Toastmasters President John Feeley at 978-874-166 and start taking advantage of all that Toastmasters has to offer.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
STEVE CASTLE CAPTURES TOASTMASTERS TITLE
Steven Castle is Twin City Toastmasters best speaker.
Mr. Castle defeated many other contestants at the Club level Contest in March, and both the Area and Division Contest in April with his speech titled “My Heroes” and he will compete in May at the District level of the International Speech Contest. He will compete with the finalists for a chance to win the District level of the contest where the winner will move on to the Semi Finals in Las Vegas!
Steven Castle is a writer, editor, and humorist who recently completed Filthy Rich Things, a savage satire on our thirst for success and wealth. He also is Electronic House’s magazine editor and co-founder of Green Tech Advocates.
Twin City Toastmasters is one of more than 11,700 Toastmasters Clubs around the world. Each spring, approximately 50,000 members compete in club level contests. Through competition in the area, division, district and regional levels, ten contestants will vie for the title of “World Champion of Public Speaking,” which will climax at the organization’s World Championship at the convention in Las Vegas on August 20, 2011.
Mr. Castle defeated many other contestants at the Club level Contest in March, and both the Area and Division Contest in April with his speech titled “My Heroes” and he will compete in May at the District level of the International Speech Contest. He will compete with the finalists for a chance to win the District level of the contest where the winner will move on to the Semi Finals in Las Vegas!
Steven Castle is a writer, editor, and humorist who recently completed Filthy Rich Things, a savage satire on our thirst for success and wealth. He also is Electronic House’s magazine editor and co-founder of Green Tech Advocates.
Twin City Toastmasters is one of more than 11,700 Toastmasters Clubs around the world. Each spring, approximately 50,000 members compete in club level contests. Through competition in the area, division, district and regional levels, ten contestants will vie for the title of “World Champion of Public Speaking,” which will climax at the organization’s World Championship at the convention in Las Vegas on August 20, 2011.
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