- April 26, 2024
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A local organization teaches residents how to perfect the art of speaking.
BY EMILY BLACKWOOD | STAFF WRITER
Speaking isn't a skill that comes naturally to everybody. That's why some residents need to work extra hard to hone their skills, according to officials from the Toastmasters public speaking group..
"A friend was starting up (Toastmasters) at my Unitarian Church," Clifford Jackson said. "I had no idea what it was about, but I thought, well, I could learn how to tell stories to my two grandkids. It turns out that my two daughters have really enjoyed my stories, as well."
The Ormond Beach SpeechMasters Toastmasters Club meets to help members improve their speech and leadership skills. Jackson said the club also taught him how to use table topics, and he moved up as a leader and speaker in his church, as well.
"In high school, I got straight As except for speech," Jackson said. "I was so introverted and afraid of speaking. It has been wonderful to be able to think and deliver speeches. The Toastmasters has been helpful in getting to the actual idea I want to put across and coming up with the examples of that lesson. It really gave me confidence."
Tips on being a better speaker
Charles Carrier, vice president of education for the President's Distinguished Toastmasters Club at Daytona State College, shared some of his favorite tips for public speaking.
1. You do not have the capacity to destroy the planet by giving a bad speech, so just relax.
2. There is no need to apologize for being nervous. If they haven’t noticed, there’s no need to tell them. If they have noticed, there’s no need to call more attention to it.
3. If you misspeak (and sooner or later you will – everyone does) just chuckle and correct it: “Oh excuse me, I meant 500 new houses, not 500 new horses.”
4. Speak boldly! The audience is waiting to hear you, so let them.
5. If you need notes, print them in a large enough font that you won’t have to pause and squint to read them.
