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Better Conversations

Better Conversations are possible Most of us spend time each day surrounded by friends, colleagues, strangers and loved ones, whether that’s on our daily commute, sitting in the park, at home, at work, or visiting the supermarket.  Yet many of us have a self-imposed feeling of isolation. We might say a quick “Hello” but don’t bother…

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Evaluate Your Speaking Skills

Evaluate Your Speaking Skills I  have been going through some of my old Toastmasters items and I came across an old Communication and Leadership manual.  As I was reading through it I found a checklist – statements about evaluating where you see yourself as to where you want to be.  I thought I would share…

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Impromptu Speaking

Impromptu Speaking For many of us it’s the worst case scenario – suddenly having to deliver an impromptu presentation.  Maybe your boss just asked you to say a few words about the project you are working on.  Maybe you are at a networking meeting and have been asked to introduce yourself.  Suddenly your throat is…

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Three Essential Skills

Three Essential Skills by Sina Marasco DTM Eastern Division Director, District 73 I came across a post by Sina Marasco tonight and it caught my attention – Three Essential Skills – all of which can be learned in Toastmasters.  Effective communication, Evaluation and Planning. “Here are three essential skills I wish I had learnt at school…

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Body Language

Body Language (Non-Verbal) vs. Verbal Communication Communicating with others is one of those basic life skills we all have. But if you want to communicate effectively with others, a good starting point is to understand the importance of not only verbal communication but nonverbal as well. Some researchers have claimed that somewhere between 60 to…

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Are You Shy When It Comes to Public Speaking?

Today I have the opportunity to bring you a special treat.  A guest post from my friend Rachel Youngson of UsePLR.com.  I have purchased her products and her training and she is amazing.    Thanks Rachel for the post ********************************************** The Shy Girls Tips for Public Speaking ********************************************** Hi There, my name is Rachel Youngson…

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Where Do I Find Speaking Gigs?

6 Ways to Find Speaking Gigs When Cassie wanted to start speaking, she was excited. She was looking forward to connecting with her audience but she wasn’t sure where to find those elusive first speaking gigs. A speaker friend recommended she start by doing some of these things… Ask Around “Personal and professional connections are…

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Seek First To Understand

For years one of my fellow Toastmasters, by the name of Fred Schuck has been insistent that we need to “seek first to understand” the people we meet and interact with. On September 11th, yesterday, my daily reading included this from Stephen R. Covey’s “Daily Reflections For Highly Effective People”. “Seek first to understand involves…