Well I’m back…..
….. and my opinion remains the same as my last blog. I think the idea of Toastmasters is great – but there’s a but.
This is actually the second draft of this posting – I’ve just zapped about 20 minutes work because it read too negatively! :) I finally realised that Toastmasters and Curved Vision actually do complimentary things. What we can give people on our courses as detailed techniques, skills and support: we can tell you what works, what doesn’t and why. We can also tell you what to try instead. What we can’t do (unless you’ve got corporate funding) is give you practice-time, because it costs money to hire us….
What Toastmasters provides is a supportive environment in which to try out your skills. Some of the progression stuff is a bit lightweight but that’s fine – Toastmasters isn’t a training-ground; it’s a practice-ground. And as such, if last night was anything to go by, A1 speakers in Newcastle is going to be a supportive place to practice.
It seems to me that the best balance therefore is a bit of both. To that end, we’re going to be offering members of A1 Speakers a chunky discount on our public presentation skills training courses. :)
You’ve put it well. Toastmasters is a great place to practice. When I work with clients, I always try to get them to join a club so they can get up on their feet in front of a supportive audience. But, like you, I’ve heard too much bad advice given in meetings. I suggest they visit a number of clubs, looking for one that is friendly (if they don’t welcome guests, stay away from them) and that has some advanced speakers.
Most bad advice I got in Toastmasters and, sadly, from many of the speech coaches I’ve work with over the years boils down to this — they try to make me look and sound like them or like some idealized speaker, not like the best I can be.
I was in Toastmasters for quite a while. I always told folks that when you join Toastmasters you are renting an audience. I think that corresponds nicely to your “practice-ground” idea.
It is up to the members to learn what makes one presentation better than others. Once you know that you know who’s opinions to listen to. Sadly, most don’t learn this because it requires work. They choose to go through the motions: They strive for comfort and achieve mediocrity. For some this is fine, it is all they need to meet their goals.
I really like Chris’ last sentence in the above comment. I couldn’t agree more. You must speak enough to learn how to be yourself. It is harder than it sounds.
Thanks guys – I’m thinking of working on an article about the advantages of someone saying “That’s bad” occationally, instead of “That’s good” all the time! :)
There are always three presentations, for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave … and the one you wish you gave.
In a recent survey, 52% of presenters said they begin their business presentations with a humorous story. The remaining 48% where too nervous to answer the question. You have about 5 seconds in which to make a positive impact so make sure you have a good one and rehearse it to death. And remember there are only two things that are more difficult than making a presentation: climbing a wall which is leaning towards you and kissing your wife who is leaning a way from you.
Hi Brian – I”ve done you the curtesy of allowing both your posts here… I’d hate to think you were just commenting to get link love back to your own site! :)
I’m interested in the survey you mention – could you give me a few more details when you’ve got a minutes? Ta.
Simon