Improve Your Communications Join Toastmasters
On of the best ways to develop skills that will help you promote yourself in an interview, to a prospective client or in a networking situation is to become a member of your local Toastmasters Club. Toastmasters International is a world wide organization that helps people become better communicators and leaders. It is easy to become a member. Go to the internet and find a Toastmasters Club in your area. Call them in advance to confirm the meeting date and time and tell them you plan to attend. There are two types of clubs. A closed club which limits membership to employees at a specific place of business and an open club which accepts members from all walks of life, since each club has its own unique culture it is recommended that you visit a number of different clubs to find one that fit your needs and taste.
The role of Table Topics, which is asking a club participant to answer a question in a one to two minute response, is a great opportunity for you to develop your interview and self promotion skills. Table Topics is a standard role during most club meetings and you will not only learn from listening but also from participating as well.
Another great place to learn how to improve your communications is attending a Toastmasters Conference. At the conference you hear world champion speakers while learning communication and leadership skills at a number of workshops. You will also have an opportunity to network with Toastmasters from all over the district. If you plan to be in the New York, New Jersey area on November 8th then I would like to invite you to attend the Inaugural District 83 Fall Conference at the Woodbridge Hilton. We will have Rory Vaden , 2007 World Champion of Public Speaking First runner up, provide 2 keynote speeches. You can obtain registration information at http://tinyurl.com/fall83 . You can learn more about Rory Vaden at http://www.takethestairsspeaker.com/tour.html
Comments
Wow, I can’t believe I’ve never heard of a Toastmasters Club - but it sounds like a good way to develop brevity in communication since most people (myself included have a tendency to use clutter.
I absolutely agree that Toastmasters is a great way to assist in public speaking. I went to a few sessions when I was getting my MBA, because no matter how small or large the group, whenever I had to speak in public, I would turn bright red. I knew I had to get myself together if I wanted a career in PR or marketing, where I would often speak in public. Toastmasters gave me the confidence to do this!
I was reading a great post on http://www.brilliantjobsearch.com, that I think goes along well with great public speaking skills - the way you present yourself physically is just as important as your delivery. The two go hand in hand. Not only do you have to know and be confident about what you speak, but you need to look the part, too!
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