by Alan | Mar 15, 2007 | Communication skills, Delivery, public speaking, Toastmasters
A common mistake of those making introductions is to hit the ‘punchline’ too quickly. When the “heeeeere’s Johnny” (did I just date myself?) gets uttered, the audience goes into applause mode, and the introducer’s job is over. Or...
by Alan | Mar 14, 2007 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Leadership
Tom Antion suggests104 a ration of 10 “you’s” to every “I” that is used in a speaking engagement. I’m against this on two levels. First, when we get to counting metrics in a speech, we’re forgetting the most important issue...
by Alan | Mar 11, 2007 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Don't!, public speaking
Interesting post at the Instigator Blog about things you don’t want to hear in a presentation. I could add hundreds, most of which I’ve heard with my own ears, but I get readers sending them to me as well now. Probably the biggest opening gaff and a TTPP...
by Alan | Feb 26, 2007 | Content, Efficiency
After some sickness putting us out of commission a bit, we’re back in business. Sickness makes the well times seem so much more weller.Had a faithful reader give this tip, and I can’t believe I didn’t know it or discover it before. You should know by...
by Alan | Feb 15, 2007 | Communication skills, Content, Delivery, Toastmasters
I witnessed a great apology today. At Toastmasters, we are frequently sarcastic and sometimes even caustic with one another (mostly the guys), and today was a light-hearted and enjoyable example of friends getting after one another. It escalated quickly, with one...
by Alan | Feb 7, 2007 | Communication skills, public speaking, Toastmasters
Had a guy last night offer up an English nugget to me. He was a very interesting guy — a true Renaissance man who was also a Toastmaster DTM (highest level possible). As we connected and talked, I used an incorrect word and he paused and said, “I’m...
