I recently had the pleasure of attending a humorous speech contest, and what an experience it was! Eight different speakers took the stage, each delivering a carefully crafted speech designed to make the audience laugh. The topics were as varied as the personalities: from time travel and family stories to running experiences, life lessons, planningContinue reading “Finding your voice: Lessons from a Humorous Speech Contest”
Tag Archives: Toastmasters
Communicate better!
So you want to improve how you communicate. There are different things you can do to deliver your verbal messages in a clear and concise way. Have a read. How many of these best practices do you follow? Do you listen to hear? We’re sometimes distracted by our surroundings when we’re having a conversation. GoodContinue reading “Communicate better!”
Go team Club!
This past week, I had the pleasure of working with a supportive team of club members to deliver a Toastmasters Club Contest. Contests are a Toastmasters International annual tradition. Contests start at the Club level and continue through various levels until winners present on an international stage. These top speakers represent clubs from around theContinue reading “Go team Club!”
Toastmasters and me
I love to write. I write social content, web copy and marketing bits for small business owners. I journal about my adventures and of course, I blog! My love for writing may have started when I was a teen when I wrote to penpals. I would look at the profiles in the classified section ofContinue reading “Toastmasters and me”
Feeling awkward and uncomfortable?
There are times when we find ourselves in work or social situations where we don’t know everyone we’re with — a business networking event, a friend’s wedding, a holiday event. For many, these are perfect events to catch up, rekindle friendships or exchange information. Attending with a colleague or friend can make interacting a littleContinue reading “Feeling awkward and uncomfortable?”
Narrow it down!
I’m often asked how I come up with a topic for my writing, followed by how I narrow down the possibilities. I have to admit, sometimes it’s just a random thought that pops into my head. Other times I draw on an experience. I’ve also learned a few techniques along the way to draw outContinue reading “Narrow it down!”
The makings of a great club
I would say, there’s no faster road to success than working with a team that gels together. I’m pondering this idea while I enjoy today’s sunshine from my patio. What makes a great club, team, group… you name it? Here’s what I think. Positive attitudes When you interact with members at club meetings with aContinue reading “The makings of a great club”
Why blog?
I haven’t always been a blogger. In fact, I’ve only really been blogging for a couple years now. I started my blogging as a project for my Toastmasters Club. The project asked me to research blog sites, plan what I would blog about, how frequently and then write eight posts. Writing eight blogs may seemContinue reading “Why blog?”
Reflecting on contest day
Delivering an effective speech means grabbing your audience’s attention, engaging them in what you have to say and delivering a message that’s relatable. Last weekend I had the pleasure of participating in a speech contest. Contestants delivered a five to seven minute speech on an original topic of their choice. But, the real pleasure wasContinue reading “Reflecting on contest day”
Putting ideas to paper
There are days when my head is full of ideas about things I want to do and places I want to go. Sometimes I find myself spinning! But, I always come back to what I love most, writing. For me, writing is not a linear process, unless maybe I’m making up a dreaded grocery listContinue reading “Putting ideas to paper”
Writing for you. 