In preparation for my second speech at Toastmasters I though if would be good pick up some more tips and tricks for public speaking and speech writing.
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The book is very basic, sometimes even threat you like a baby (one of his tips is not to scold you audience or stand with the back against the crowd.😬) I listened to the audio version, narrated by the author, but I didn’t really connect with the way the content was presented. It felt a bit like a drawn out infomercial and Michael came off as somewhat self absorbed.
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But let’s focus on what’s good and let’s me share some key points:
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Fear of criticism hold us back. Friends, colleagues and loved ones might not like the new role you take. You have to choose between approval from others or results.
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How to stop your inner critic? Stop being critical. By not criticizing others, it will make you less critical about yourself.
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To make your speech less easy to poke holes in: don’t use absolutes like; everybody, always, never etc.. ——————————————
“What you say don’t have to be different to make a difference, it’s the way you say it that matters.” This is good takeaway since I often find myself stuck coming up with content for speeches, thinking it has to be totally original ideas for the presentation to be worthwhile for the audience.
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Improvisational skills are key and can be learned through practice. Prepare for the unexpected and learn to be comfortable with discomfort.
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“Steal the show” by Michael Port
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3/5
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