Comments on: Practice, practice, practice…

By: Keith Davis

Keith Davis — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:37:52 +0000

Hi Sian
Good to hear from you again.
You are sadly missed at Sans Souci – you should visit us sometime.
Thanks for a thoughtful comment.
Hope you keep in touch.

By: Sian

Sian — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 11:01:58 +0000

It’s been good to read the many comments on this site – - and reminds me of many happy, challenging and rewarding years in Sans Souci Speakers’ Club.
Re Practice – I have to agree with all that’s said – and would also emphasise the value of practice with informed, respectful, support. One piece of advice I was given in the early days, still relevant, is to learn the opening few words of a speech so that you launch yourself with confidence and are free to leave notes whilst maintaining eye contact with the audience from the beginning – they seem more relaxed if you are confident. Also there is benefit in learning the last few words – so you can again conclude your speech with confidence and, of appropriate to the subject, with a smile – let them know you also enjoyed the experience!
I found I couldn’t learn public speaking from a book – the regular visits to Speakers Club were invaluable – providing authentic opportunites to present speeches – whilst knowing that the feedback./evaluation would be
Informative (e.g. “you spoke with clarity which was good – but try slowing down a little at the beginning . . “).
Respectiful: the feedback was never patronising – praise was honest, advice always construutive and accessible.
Support: e.g. “Try this strategy to help slow down at the beginning – maybe practice in front of a mirror . . . with a friend or many members at the club will help”.
And – it works!!
With informed, respectful ,supported practice – it’s a delight to observe new-comers progress through the many stages of the Speakers Club Manual and become confident Speakers.

By: 3 Lessons From Toastmasters Speech Contestants

3 Lessons From Toastmasters Speech Contestants — Sun, 16 May 2010 12:38:49 +0000

[...] I had seen her speech now numerous times, and was happy to watch it again and again, as she practiced numerous times in the car or in the room. Watching her on stage was not easy; I was a nervous wreck and I was the [...]

By: Patrick Hitches

Patrick Hitches — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 20:31:07 +0000

LOL! Thanks Keith… I like to think it grasps the overall message of continued hard work/practice (btw, we spell practise/practice differently across the ocean here! I didn’t know that until I just wiki’d it) and what you can accomplish. If it attracts the ladies… Ahh, so be it! ha

Talk soon!
Patrick Hitches´s last blog ..A Meaningful Ride for MS

By: Keith Davis

Keith Davis — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 19:48:45 +0000

Hi Patrick
Unfortunately, no shortcuts only hard work and lots of practise.
BTW – love your avatar, should help attract lots of comments from the ladies. LOL
Appreciate you taking the time to add to the discussion.

By: Patrick Hitches

Patrick Hitches — Sun, 25 Apr 2010 18:57:56 +0000

Keith,

How true this is for any and all ventures we try and tackle. Whether it be public speaking, losing weight, or heck even to learn and ride a bike. It just takes practice and eventually it will all fall into place.

Thanks for the words and keep it coming!

Patrick
Patrick Hitches´s last blog ..A Meaningful Ride for MS

By: Ryan Cowles

Ryan Cowles — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 03:33:55 +0000

That’s another good point Ed. I find a lot of people, myself included, don’t hold themselves in a high enough regard. I don’t mean to promote arrogance or anything like that, but if you know your material, you should be confident in yourself!
Ryan Cowles´s last blog ..Lomography SuperSampler Review and Photo’s

By: Keith Davis

Keith Davis — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:23:30 +0000

Thanks for visiting Ed and thanks for the tip.

By: Ed Sykes

Ed Sykes — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 23:27:49 +0000

Thanks for the tips. Knowing the material is important. Another tip is: If they ask you to speak, you are the expert, so act like one.

By: Keith Davis

Keith Davis — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:26:45 +0000

Hi Ric
Thanks for a great contribution to the comments.
Interesting that you say:
“I usually pace around the room, remote in hand and walk through my powerpoint as if I were speaking to a live audience…”
A great way to practise, as though you are speaking to the audience.
BTW – don’t forget those batteries.LOL