Toastmasters By Design

Changing Your Mentality is Step No. 1.

In Toastmasters we often encourage speakers to avoid "uh", "um", and other "crutch words". Why do we do this? Because when you say these words you seem to lack conviction. You seem unsure. Part of persuasion is persuading yourself. If you seem not to believe what you're saying, you will find it harder to persuade others. Confidence sells. When we speak with passion and conviction or when we're thoroughly sure of our facts, such words almost disappear from our speech. ... Few speakers rid themselves completely of crutch words, but great speakers do minimize them, because great speakers speak with passion and confidence. So keep in mind that the *point* is not so much to avoid these words but to prepare your thoughts in such a way that you will naturally minimize them. Watch great speakers and try to learn from what they do. Muhammad Ali, along with being a great fighter, was an inspiring speaker, especially when he was in character as the arrogant fighter putting down his opponents. He rarely used crutch words. When he really got going at a press conference or in an interview, he spoke with almost a motive force and incredible improvisatory skill. I don't know if he ever went to Toastmasters, but I can guarantee that these skills come to no one naturally. He worked at it, and so can you. Then you, too, can be "the greatest". -- John H.

https://www.facebook.com//pb.12022275473/901066116653324/ See Photos from the Open House.