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?”
Tag Archives: Toastmasters
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”
Speaking off the cuff
One of the fun parts of a Toastmasters meeting is something called Table Topics. With Table Topics, you get to speak for one, sometimes two minutes on a topic you’re not prepared for. It’s an exercise geared to practice impromptu speaking — speaking off the cuff. Knowing how to organize your thoughts quickly can comeContinue reading “Speaking off the cuff”
Stepping out of your comfort zone
We all experience it. Those moments when we’d rather hide than face an uncomfortable situation. Stepping out of your comfort zone is not always easy, but when you do, you’ll feel really good about it. You’ll expand your reach with new confidence and experience. It’s important to understand what makes you uncomfortable. If you’re providingContinue reading “Stepping out of your comfort zone”
Conflict resolved
We all experience conflict in one way or another. Think of the times when you were party to a difference of opinion or the times when you were responsible for guiding a conversation to an agreeable resolution. Conflicts can be as small as deciding what colour to paint the walls in your new home —Continue reading “Conflict resolved”
Um…
Filler words are those nasty little words that replace your pauses; pauses that give your mind some time to think about what you’re going to say next. Um, ah, so, like are a few examples. We all use them (some more than others). Even though they may help to buy you some time, they canContinue reading “Um…”
A mentor or two
Have you ever thought of the people who have helped you navigate life stages or helped you reach success? Formally or informally, these are your mentors. When I look up “mentor” in the dictionary, I see words like wise and loyal. Toastmasters describes a mentor as someone with experience and expertise who is willing toContinue reading “A mentor or two”
Lessons learned
You’ve just delivered a big project. It took weeks to pull it together with the help of your team and others involved. Feedback from recipients has been positive and you’re proud of your accomplishment. Congratulations! When you’re in a leadership role, you have a responsibility for the outcome of the project. Good leaders are thereContinue reading “Lessons learned”
My takeaways as contest chair
In January, I chaired a Toastmasters International Area Speech Contest. It was both nerve wracking and exciting. Since I recently posted about the value of lessons learned meetings after my own club contest, I thought I’d share a few thoughts on this latest experience. I was asked. I was reluctant but said yes. I wasContinue reading “My takeaways as contest chair”
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