Public Speaking Secrets to Reducing Ums, Uhs & Filler Words
“Well, that was awful,” said Robert, a technical expert for an energy company, as he looked up from my iPad. He had just finished listening to my on-the-spot recording of his speech introduction. “I had no idea I said so many ‘ums.’” In the first 3 minutes of his speech introduction, he had said “um” […]
Pinch Hitting in Speaking
I was about to enter the meeting, when Jennifer walked up to me and said, “I can’t believe this, but I have to go home. My cat had a seizure and my boyfriend can’t handle it. I was supposed to give this educational presentation tonight.” Jennifer showed me her typed speech notes and extensive handouts […]
The Call-Back: A Comedy Technique for Speeches
Would you like a simple speech technique that will create a closer connection with your audience, help them remember your material, and possibly get a laugh? Try using the “call-back.” The call-back is a stand-up comedy term that means to refer to an earlier joke that got a laugh. For example, at a recent Humor […]
Improve Your Speaking with Improv
Aside from participating in Toastmasters, the most beneficial activity I have done to improve my speaking was to take a couple of improv classes several years ago. The idea of speaking without preparation may be terrifying to you. It’s still not my favorite thing to do, but practicing improv in class, in Toastmasters and even […]
Keep Calm and Join Toastmasters
Do you wish you could speak with greater confidence? Do you wish you could answer off-the-cuff questions (like on job interviews), without sounding off-the-wall? Do you wish you could develop the leadership skills to ignite your career? What excuse is holding you back? Too busy? Not enough money? I heard someone say, “Excuses are like armpits, […]
Speaking Off-the-Cuff Without Sounding Off-the-Wall
As you become known as a public speaker, you may be asked to speak more at work, often with little or no preparation. If you have a few minutes to prepare, you can write a speech in 5 minutes. But, sometimes people want an answer now! Becoming more proficient at impromptu speaking can propel your […]