What comes to your mind when I say diwali?
What comes to your mind when I say Christmas?
What comes to your mind when I say New year?
Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmasters and guests.
The new year is just round the corner. I am sure each one of us will have our resolutions to take!!!???
How many of us have made a new year resolution at the beginning of this year? 2008
Have we tracked them to check if we have achieved it? At least started it?
A recent research done in United states of America says that 52% of participants in a Resolution study were confident of success with their goals. However, 12% of them actually achieved their goals. Men achieved their goal 22% more than that of others when they engaged in goal setting. A system where small measurable goals are used (lose a kilogram a week, instead of saying "lose weight") was set by participants, women succeeded 10% more when they made their goals public and got support from their friends.
Each one of us here would have taken resolutions and achieved them. I wish to quote a person whom in out midst, from our club, took a resolution to reach the top of Everest. We all could see that she has been successful in her resolution. I wish to share the 2 main learning I learnt from Shrilatha in her journey as president for past 6 months.
1. Single Minded Focus – i.e. Spending time, effort and imagination to work on the committed task.
2. Sharing with friends i.e. likeminded people – This helps in achieving a common vision
While Shrilatha may normally come across as a carefree person, she strongly displayed these two factors: single minded focus and sharing it with friends.
India's first-ever individual Olympic gold medal winner Abhinav Bindra took a resolution amidst press reporters on his return to India that he would find energy and motivation to repeat his feat again and hold it on for a while.
This year I took a resolution to spend more time with family and friends and enjoy life. I decided to make it public by registering in Keith’s website. I logged in and entered the resolution. The portal was designed intelligently that it tried to details on how resolutions will be turned to reality and not left as a fantasy. I took it as a challenge and started thinking. I finally came to some tangible activities which I could measure.
Calm down in temper, find ways to get out of it. Ensure good relationship with friends and family.
Spend weekends and holidays at home, avoid business work.
What a magic it was..
I have been successful in my journey to date.
Let me share an instance in these lines.
Recently I attended a family gathering. I wished my aunt whom I am seeing almost after an year.
“Aah.. You found your way now and had time to come down. Not bad that I am still in your mind.” My mother who was with me did not know what to answer as it was most embarrassing.
I did miss to meet her when she lost her daughter in august. She had been hospitalized for some time. I did make calls to enquire her health. I could not meet her personally.
Aloud I replied, “Yes. Though the road leading to Ramamurthy Nagar has lot of diversions and potholes, I did find the way this time. I ensured not to disturb you by my calls asking for directions”. I sat next to her and added “ I drove 10 Kms at one stretch in 20 minutes. I am a great driver. Isn’t it ?”
Calmness prevailed. I smiled and started boasting my driving skills, when my aunt interrupted, “Calm down. You are yet to drive back home.” With laughter, all of us settled down and we had our conversation on as usual.
I was happy to have changed myself. I was happy to note my words like fireballs did not hurt others. In deed mended the relationship.
If you wanted support to achieve your dream, you need to share your resolutions. I had completed project 9 in Nov 2006. I had been dreaming to complete my project 10 for more than a year. I tried doing a self assessment and repeated my speeches again and again to gain confidence. When I could sense my confidence, I started to draft my speech 10. I shared my resolution to complete my CC by this year to my mentor. It was with his help, I am here today standing before you.
Sharing helps in providing support to achieve your goals.
My dear friends, I could just think of Chendil’s quote here.
If you wanted to go fast, go alone. If you wanted to go far, go together.
1. If you wanted to go fast, Go alone – Single minded focus
2. If you wanted to go far, go together – Share your resolutions and get forward
We are all here to be great leaders. Leaders create a positive change. To create the change, we have to be a part of change. Take your resolution today.
Do you want to Be the change you want to see?
Mr. Toastmaster
Monday, August 3, 2009
I Know everything
“I know everything. Just take it as is. I can get it done in this period by sonia.” said Mr. Ambu a senior manager of a company. His juniors were not just confused, but also irritated as their manager snubbed them in front of the other department managers.
Sonia a new entrant to the office was shocked. She was brought up in a middle income group family. Her parents ensured that she incorporated respect in her communications. In return they too followed the same. She practiced the same in school, college and now in her job, she could hardly digest the fact of her manager snubbing her in front of people. She just walked to the rest room where she could just have her space. She cried aloud, washed her face when Sreeja joined her. Finally, she got out and drank three cups of water.
She went back home and again could not digest the fact that she was just ripped in front of people. She shared this with her parents.” Ma, I am the person who is working on it. I know the product and the work. I feel bad on hearing those words from my manager.”
Her mother calm’s her down and says, “ Sonia, “ I feel you have to tell this to your manager. However, you cannot be direct as I feel he would not have known the impact. Many people are more direct and curt in communication as they talk to computers and machines. People may not have the human touch. Find a way in which you will talk to him personally about this. Also, I do not want you to carry it in your heart. Communicate , but in a way in which he could get your feelings”.
Sonia felt good. She did not forget her mother’s words. She was also wondering as to how to communicate. Finally she got up to meet her manager. She saw that he was sitting alone reading his mails. She excused herself and said, “ Sir, I wish share what I felt yesterday after the meeting. I felt that I was ripped off by your words. But after your meet, Sreeja, the other manager contacted me. She analyzed the scenario and accepted that this wasn’t possible. I hope that she would have communicated that to you.”
Mr. Ambu smiled. “I am sorry Sonia. My thought that I know everything made me speak like that. When Sreeja returned to me on the same yesterday, I understood that I have overlooked on certain points. I wish I apologize to all.” Sonia smiled back and left the room.
Sonia, was happy that she could create an open atmosphere, to communicate her feelings. Ambu, charted out a plan to correct himself. He arranged for open discussions, where he shared his views and discussed them openly. This helped his team plan their work and achieve the goal. The Oneness feeling kept the team motivated which yielded laurels for the company.
MORAL OF THE STORY: “Communication can make or break relationships. Positive and open communication can help in building relationships.”
Sonia a new entrant to the office was shocked. She was brought up in a middle income group family. Her parents ensured that she incorporated respect in her communications. In return they too followed the same. She practiced the same in school, college and now in her job, she could hardly digest the fact of her manager snubbing her in front of people. She just walked to the rest room where she could just have her space. She cried aloud, washed her face when Sreeja joined her. Finally, she got out and drank three cups of water.
She went back home and again could not digest the fact that she was just ripped in front of people. She shared this with her parents.” Ma, I am the person who is working on it. I know the product and the work. I feel bad on hearing those words from my manager.”
Her mother calm’s her down and says, “ Sonia, “ I feel you have to tell this to your manager. However, you cannot be direct as I feel he would not have known the impact. Many people are more direct and curt in communication as they talk to computers and machines. People may not have the human touch. Find a way in which you will talk to him personally about this. Also, I do not want you to carry it in your heart. Communicate , but in a way in which he could get your feelings”.
Sonia felt good. She did not forget her mother’s words. She was also wondering as to how to communicate. Finally she got up to meet her manager. She saw that he was sitting alone reading his mails. She excused herself and said, “ Sir, I wish share what I felt yesterday after the meeting. I felt that I was ripped off by your words. But after your meet, Sreeja, the other manager contacted me. She analyzed the scenario and accepted that this wasn’t possible. I hope that she would have communicated that to you.”
Mr. Ambu smiled. “I am sorry Sonia. My thought that I know everything made me speak like that. When Sreeja returned to me on the same yesterday, I understood that I have overlooked on certain points. I wish I apologize to all.” Sonia smiled back and left the room.
Sonia, was happy that she could create an open atmosphere, to communicate her feelings. Ambu, charted out a plan to correct himself. He arranged for open discussions, where he shared his views and discussed them openly. This helped his team plan their work and achieve the goal. The Oneness feeling kept the team motivated which yielded laurels for the company.
MORAL OF THE STORY: “Communication can make or break relationships. Positive and open communication can help in building relationships.”
Friday, June 19, 2009
Which One Am I - Version .001
Which One Am I?
Theories and books state that there are 3 types of learners.
· Listening learners
· Seeing / observing learners
· Touch / experience learners
Which one am I?
Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow toastmasters and my dear friends,
It was a chilly evening. I was sitting on the swing and gossiping with my mother. The sun was trying to kiss the moon , when the wrestling rain drops tried its best to cover it. My mother went to the back yard and lit the wood to make dosa’s. Engrossed in the peaceful weather, I tried to warm myself sitting next to the lit wood. My mother paced the tawa on the fire. She filled the ladle upto the 3/4 level with Dosa batter. She gently poured the batter onto the center of the pan. She then spread it on the tawa in perfect circles to form a thin film. Dosa after Dosa , she repeated the same and I could see Dosa’s of same shape, size and thickness in the collection plate. It reminded me of my progress card with ‘0’s.
“ Mom… You must have been a teacher before. You really put good circular zeros. Your Dosa’s are the best examples of the same”
She smiled. “ Why don’t you learn communication from Dosa. See The point you want to make is the batter. The batter is picked by ladle and placed on tawa and spread equally to a thin film. I.e. the point is elaborated with anecdotes and such that every body can break it, take it and digest it. Do not overstress a point as it will be disagreeable like a blackened dosa”
I starred … If we keep on observing what we do, we can expect books on burgers to hit our book stalls soon.
A 100 i.e. centum in academics tastes delicious. A Perfect zero in Dosa tastes delicious.
Looking back, I found that I am neither an observer nor a listener. Doubt arose that if I am an experience learner.?
Compromise plays a major role in maintaining relationships.
Theories and books state that there are 3 types of learners.
· Listening learners
· Seeing / observing learners
· Touch / experience learners
Which one am I?
Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow toastmasters and my dear friends,
It was a chilly evening. I was sitting on the swing and gossiping with my mother. The sun was trying to kiss the moon , when the wrestling rain drops tried its best to cover it. My mother went to the back yard and lit the wood to make dosa’s. Engrossed in the peaceful weather, I tried to warm myself sitting next to the lit wood. My mother paced the tawa on the fire. She filled the ladle upto the 3/4 level with Dosa batter. She gently poured the batter onto the center of the pan. She then spread it on the tawa in perfect circles to form a thin film. Dosa after Dosa , she repeated the same and I could see Dosa’s of same shape, size and thickness in the collection plate. It reminded me of my progress card with ‘0’s.
“ Mom… You must have been a teacher before. You really put good circular zeros. Your Dosa’s are the best examples of the same”
She smiled. “ Why don’t you learn communication from Dosa. See The point you want to make is the batter. The batter is picked by ladle and placed on tawa and spread equally to a thin film. I.e. the point is elaborated with anecdotes and such that every body can break it, take it and digest it. Do not overstress a point as it will be disagreeable like a blackened dosa”
I starred … If we keep on observing what we do, we can expect books on burgers to hit our book stalls soon.
A 100 i.e. centum in academics tastes delicious. A Perfect zero in Dosa tastes delicious.
Looking back, I found that I am neither an observer nor a listener. Doubt arose that if I am an experience learner.?
Compromise plays a major role in maintaining relationships.
Hobby Please…
Every interview has some common questions like “Tell me about yourself”, “What are your dreams” and “What is your hobby”
Hobby…. This question was a night mare to me.
Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmaster and my dear friends,
During my childhood, my hobby was the same as my friend. She too had trouble. But watching realty shows has given her some inputs. She always picked the one which could not make the opposite person ask questions. However, I could not easily lie. When I was a child, I forcibly collected some stamps and purchased a set from an exhibition. I used that as my hobby. But when people asked as to what is my aim and what did I learn and what I plan to do with it, I did not have an answer.
Sooner, I found that this was not what I wanted to do or get embarrassed with. I conducted a survey on various hobbies.
Some of them were Watching TV, reading book, collecting coins or stamps, eating, roaming, gardening, cycling, dressing, singing, dancing, eating, sleeping, painting, playing cricket based on the thirst. None of the answers satisfied me nor suited me. My problem remained. One day , My aunt came down to my house.
Aunt, what is your hobby?
“Cooking, cleaning house” was her immediate reply. “What do you want?”
“I need a hobby”
The laughter took time to settle.
“Do you know what is a hobby?”
“Aunt, I know. A constant question asked by a person to whom you get introduced.”
“ My aunt took me in her hands and said, What do you do in your free time?”
“I walk behind my mother wherever she goes.”
“ Do you play?”
“No. Not much. I play when my mother is next to me.”
“ Oh.. So, walking behind your mother is your hobby?”
I felt relieved then. Later, when I grew up, I found that my hobby was just whiling away time. i.e. Laziness.
But how do I say that. Nobody will respect me, talk to me. I started playing tennikoit. Thanks to the physical training hour in school. They trained me in wobbling, smashing, serving.. I learnt it thoroughly. However, diminishing eyesight did not allow me to continue. Now I had to say hobby with an excuse. Those days spectacles were made of glass instead of plastic or high index lens.
I was in search of a hobby again. I tried reading books, however, I could not compete with book readers. My confidence started going down and I feared to meet people. Solitude hurt me.
I visited my aunt’s place. I talked continuously, when she said, “Latha, talking is your hobby. “
I was happy to find an unquestionable hobby. Then on I stuck to my hobby. Sooner, people started to analyze what I say. I was in trouble. Accidental gossips led me to trouble. I sooner had suggestions to learn what to talk, where to talk, when to talk and how to talk.
So, finalized hobby was in trouble again. But I was already in danger that if I stop talking, I may end up badly. Unable to catch up with what is required and I started changing my styles based on the listeners.
Sooner, I lost track on patterns. Thanks to age, that my grey cells had no place to store. I was worried. I wandered and bought books after books. My laziness never allowed me to read even a chapter. My mother worried more as it required greater effort to pack while shifting.
I was then in a job by then, safely settled. I had a great relief. If I do not opt to participate in reality shows, I will never be asked that question. I had created an end to a daring question.
Happiness did not lost long. Pavitra my colleague in office met me over coffee. “ How do you spend your time ? What is your hobby?”
Now Back again. The Deadly devil is here again. I quickly thought and said, “Chatting with friends.”
Name your friends was her next question. “ You…” was my immediate reply.
Now I can safely say talking, chatting, working and sleeping as I do all of them regularly. Chatting with my office colleagues on technical issues, working longer hours, talking continuously for 5 mins and sleeping when I do not do the other three.
I now have 4 Hobbies. How many do you have?
Mr. TM
Hobby…. This question was a night mare to me.
Mr. Toastmaster, Fellow Toastmaster and my dear friends,
During my childhood, my hobby was the same as my friend. She too had trouble. But watching realty shows has given her some inputs. She always picked the one which could not make the opposite person ask questions. However, I could not easily lie. When I was a child, I forcibly collected some stamps and purchased a set from an exhibition. I used that as my hobby. But when people asked as to what is my aim and what did I learn and what I plan to do with it, I did not have an answer.
Sooner, I found that this was not what I wanted to do or get embarrassed with. I conducted a survey on various hobbies.
Some of them were Watching TV, reading book, collecting coins or stamps, eating, roaming, gardening, cycling, dressing, singing, dancing, eating, sleeping, painting, playing cricket based on the thirst. None of the answers satisfied me nor suited me. My problem remained. One day , My aunt came down to my house.
Aunt, what is your hobby?
“Cooking, cleaning house” was her immediate reply. “What do you want?”
“I need a hobby”
The laughter took time to settle.
“Do you know what is a hobby?”
“Aunt, I know. A constant question asked by a person to whom you get introduced.”
“ My aunt took me in her hands and said, What do you do in your free time?”
“I walk behind my mother wherever she goes.”
“ Do you play?”
“No. Not much. I play when my mother is next to me.”
“ Oh.. So, walking behind your mother is your hobby?”
I felt relieved then. Later, when I grew up, I found that my hobby was just whiling away time. i.e. Laziness.
But how do I say that. Nobody will respect me, talk to me. I started playing tennikoit. Thanks to the physical training hour in school. They trained me in wobbling, smashing, serving.. I learnt it thoroughly. However, diminishing eyesight did not allow me to continue. Now I had to say hobby with an excuse. Those days spectacles were made of glass instead of plastic or high index lens.
I was in search of a hobby again. I tried reading books, however, I could not compete with book readers. My confidence started going down and I feared to meet people. Solitude hurt me.
I visited my aunt’s place. I talked continuously, when she said, “Latha, talking is your hobby. “
I was happy to find an unquestionable hobby. Then on I stuck to my hobby. Sooner, people started to analyze what I say. I was in trouble. Accidental gossips led me to trouble. I sooner had suggestions to learn what to talk, where to talk, when to talk and how to talk.
So, finalized hobby was in trouble again. But I was already in danger that if I stop talking, I may end up badly. Unable to catch up with what is required and I started changing my styles based on the listeners.
Sooner, I lost track on patterns. Thanks to age, that my grey cells had no place to store. I was worried. I wandered and bought books after books. My laziness never allowed me to read even a chapter. My mother worried more as it required greater effort to pack while shifting.
I was then in a job by then, safely settled. I had a great relief. If I do not opt to participate in reality shows, I will never be asked that question. I had created an end to a daring question.
Happiness did not lost long. Pavitra my colleague in office met me over coffee. “ How do you spend your time ? What is your hobby?”
Now Back again. The Deadly devil is here again. I quickly thought and said, “Chatting with friends.”
Name your friends was her next question. “ You…” was my immediate reply.
Now I can safely say talking, chatting, working and sleeping as I do all of them regularly. Chatting with my office colleagues on technical issues, working longer hours, talking continuously for 5 mins and sleeping when I do not do the other three.
I now have 4 Hobbies. How many do you have?
Mr. TM
Speech rules
The Speech Opening
Due to the primacy effect, words, body language, and visuals in the speech opening are all critical to speaking success.
- Was a hook used effectively to draw the audience into the speech? Or did the speaker open with a dry “It’s great to be here today.“
- Did the speech open with a story? A joke? A startling statistic? A controversial statement? A powerful visual?
- Did the speech opening clearly establish the intent of the presentation?
- Was the opening memorable?
The Speech Body
- Was the presentation focussed? i.e. Did all arguments, stories, anecdotes relate back to the primary objective?
- Were examples or statistics provided to support the arguments?
- Were metaphors and symbolism use to improve understanding?
- Was the speech organized logically? Was it easy to follow?
- Did the speaker bridge smoothly from one part of the presentation to the next?
The Speech Conclusion
Like the opening, the words, body language, and visuals in the speech conclusion are all critical to speaking success. This is due to the recency effect.
- Was the conclusion concise?
- Was the conclusion memorable?
- If appropriate, was there a call-to-action?
Delivery Skills and Techniques
Delivery skills are like a gigantic toolbox — the best speakers know precisely when to use every tool and for what purpose.
Enthusiasm and Connection to the Audience
- Was the speaker enthusiastic? How can you tell?
- Was there audience interaction? Was it effective?
- Was the message you- and we-focussed, or was it I- and me-focussed?
Humor
- Was humor used?
- Was it safe and appropriate given the audience?
- Were appropriate pauses used before and after the punch lines, phrases, or words?
- Was it relevant to the speech?
Visual Aids
- Were they designed effectively?
- Did they complement speech arguments?
- Was the use of visual aids timed well with the speaker’s words?
- Did they add energy to the presentation or remove it?
- Were they simple and easy to understand?
- Were they easy to see? e.g. large enough
- Would an additional visual aid help to convey the message?
Use of Stage Area
- Did the speaker make appropriate use of the speaking area?
Physical - Gestures and Eye Contact
- Did the speaker’s posture display confidence and poise?
- Were gestures natural, timely, and complementary?
- Were gestures easy to see?
- Does the speaker have any distracting mannerisms?
- Was eye contact effective in connecting the speaker to the whole audience?
Vocal Variety
- Was the speaker easy to hear?
- Were loud and soft variations used appropriately?
- Was the pace varied? Was it slow enough overall to be understandable?
- Were pauses used to aid understandability, heighten excitement, or provide drama?
Language
- Was the language appropriate for the audience?
- Did the speaker articulate clearly?
- Were sentences short and easy to understand?
- Was technical jargon or unnecessarily complex language used?
- What rhetorical devices were used? e.g. repetition, alliteration, the rule of three, etc.
Intangibles
Sometimes, a technically sound speech can still miss the mark. Likewise, technical deficiencies can sometimes be overcome to produce a must-see presentation. The intangibles are impossible to list, but here are a few questions to consider:
- How did the speech make you feel?
- Were you convinced?
- Would you want to listen to this speaker again?
- Were there any original ideas or techniques?
Monday, December 29, 2008
Dream to be a Human being - Released in Reverberations 08 Soviener
Dream to be a Human being
By Ramanathan Latha (Smedley Speaker Society – Bangalore)
“Who would like to talk on the topic My dream?”
The chaotic hall had a sudden silence. Even a drop pin was heard by all 100 of us in the room.
“Go, Go… Can’t you just talk of your dream? You have many. ” my inner voice murmured. I lifted my hand without even realizing the conflict between my heart and my mind. The applause accompanied me till the dais. Even before I could realize what was happening, I was there behind a mike.
“Good Evening friends!....” My voice withered. My hands shivered. Sweating, Moving my hands and legs to get over the discomfort, cursing myself for coming up the dais…. All made the packed audience restless. The hall was no more silent.
“ My dream is to become a Speaker, A politician, a Human being” I raised my voice. Echo made me pause for a second. “ I fear of my future. Security cannot be assured. Once I become a Politician, i.e President, I will have bodyguards to guard me. So , I wish I were a politician. However, to become a politician, I have to start speaking. This is was I am trying today”
“Enough of blabbering” uttered my inner voice.
But, How do I get down. I was helpless. I could not cry. I could not shout. Now, I started to think for words to speak, to conclude. My mind was blank and tumbled, trembled and finally looked around. Quickly, I smiled and tried to get down. I chilled down like ice and returned back to my seat. Announcement of a break made me happy. I tried to move out.
“ It was a great speech. I like your dream. You are trying to get what you want. Work on your dream. Do not stop” An unknown man in front of me.
With a smile I tried to get away.
“Congratulations. Every dream should have a beginning. So does yours. Start speaking. I like the innocence” A heavy voice stopped me. Fearing to look back, I stood still. Slowly I tried to move towards the rest room.
“ Great voice. I like your boldness. Would you like to get rid of fear while speaking in public, join toastmasters.” A sweet voice welcomed me to turn back. Sparkling eyes, confident look, empathy captured my heart.
I started feeling uncomfortable. I felt that I made a fool of myself. My heart started beating fast. I returned back home and buried myself in my bed.When I woke up the next day, I felt relieved. I felt happy. I joined the toastmasters club. I started learning the nuances of speaking. I learnt to express my feelings. I learnt to network.
Toastmasters, taught me to Talk, to Open up, Acquire Skills, Try out, Master an act, Accept criticism, Stand up, Take over, Express views, savor Rewards and Shine. I started to enjoy myself. I learnt to give importance to my dream and myself. I learnt to respect others, their feelings. I was able to correct myself easily. My anger just vanished. My confidence grew.
All in all I started to be a human being.
By Ramanathan Latha (Smedley Speaker Society – Bangalore)
“Who would like to talk on the topic My dream?”
The chaotic hall had a sudden silence. Even a drop pin was heard by all 100 of us in the room.
“Go, Go… Can’t you just talk of your dream? You have many. ” my inner voice murmured. I lifted my hand without even realizing the conflict between my heart and my mind. The applause accompanied me till the dais. Even before I could realize what was happening, I was there behind a mike.
“Good Evening friends!....” My voice withered. My hands shivered. Sweating, Moving my hands and legs to get over the discomfort, cursing myself for coming up the dais…. All made the packed audience restless. The hall was no more silent.
“ My dream is to become a Speaker, A politician, a Human being” I raised my voice. Echo made me pause for a second. “ I fear of my future. Security cannot be assured. Once I become a Politician, i.e President, I will have bodyguards to guard me. So , I wish I were a politician. However, to become a politician, I have to start speaking. This is was I am trying today”
“Enough of blabbering” uttered my inner voice.
But, How do I get down. I was helpless. I could not cry. I could not shout. Now, I started to think for words to speak, to conclude. My mind was blank and tumbled, trembled and finally looked around. Quickly, I smiled and tried to get down. I chilled down like ice and returned back to my seat. Announcement of a break made me happy. I tried to move out.
“ It was a great speech. I like your dream. You are trying to get what you want. Work on your dream. Do not stop” An unknown man in front of me.
With a smile I tried to get away.
“Congratulations. Every dream should have a beginning. So does yours. Start speaking. I like the innocence” A heavy voice stopped me. Fearing to look back, I stood still. Slowly I tried to move towards the rest room.
“ Great voice. I like your boldness. Would you like to get rid of fear while speaking in public, join toastmasters.” A sweet voice welcomed me to turn back. Sparkling eyes, confident look, empathy captured my heart.
I started feeling uncomfortable. I felt that I made a fool of myself. My heart started beating fast. I returned back home and buried myself in my bed.When I woke up the next day, I felt relieved. I felt happy. I joined the toastmasters club. I started learning the nuances of speaking. I learnt to express my feelings. I learnt to network.
Toastmasters, taught me to Talk, to Open up, Acquire Skills, Try out, Master an act, Accept criticism, Stand up, Take over, Express views, savor Rewards and Shine. I started to enjoy myself. I learnt to give importance to my dream and myself. I learnt to respect others, their feelings. I was able to correct myself easily. My anger just vanished. My confidence grew.
All in all I started to be a human being.
How to practice your speech? - Released in Smedley's Mag - JUly 2008
How to practice your speech?
Latha Ramanathan
The best speeches are the one which create an impact to audience and not the speeches which have the best content.
To inspire the audience, and create an impact, the speech needs to be rigorously practiced.
Read Aloud your Speech
Read your speech aloud, ten times. This helps in familiarizing the speech to you. The speech flow becomes clear. The sequence can be understood and helps in adding impact to the content.
Identify the key points
Underline the key points which you wish the audience should hear. Memorize the same so that you do not forget. Create a small note with these. This can be used as reference incase you forget the speech during delivery.
Add impact using your voice
Try to read the speech with voice variations.
Add a pitch change either low or high to emphasize the points
Change the frequency / tempo when you just want your audience to hear or you would like them to envision.
Modulate the voice when there is a dialogue to differentiate persons
Pause and no Pause
Add 30 sec pause when you want audience to follow you thru your speech. Talk continuously when the message is an add on to the content and may not be important for audience to remember. Ensure that each humor has a pause in line with audience response.
Practice in front of mirror
The speech is now to be delivered. In case you can use a collar mike or center stage, practice your hand movements and facial gestures with a mirror. In case you are to deliver in a radio, this may not be required.
Reach out to your mentor
This indeed is your step before you deliver your speech to audience. Deliver the speech now to your mentor. Fine tune your speech your mentors input.
Now you are all set to deliver before your audience.
Latha Ramanathan
The best speeches are the one which create an impact to audience and not the speeches which have the best content.
To inspire the audience, and create an impact, the speech needs to be rigorously practiced.
Read Aloud your Speech
Read your speech aloud, ten times. This helps in familiarizing the speech to you. The speech flow becomes clear. The sequence can be understood and helps in adding impact to the content.
Identify the key points
Underline the key points which you wish the audience should hear. Memorize the same so that you do not forget. Create a small note with these. This can be used as reference incase you forget the speech during delivery.
Add impact using your voice
Try to read the speech with voice variations.
Add a pitch change either low or high to emphasize the points
Change the frequency / tempo when you just want your audience to hear or you would like them to envision.
Modulate the voice when there is a dialogue to differentiate persons
Pause and no Pause
Add 30 sec pause when you want audience to follow you thru your speech. Talk continuously when the message is an add on to the content and may not be important for audience to remember. Ensure that each humor has a pause in line with audience response.
Practice in front of mirror
The speech is now to be delivered. In case you can use a collar mike or center stage, practice your hand movements and facial gestures with a mirror. In case you are to deliver in a radio, this may not be required.
Reach out to your mentor
This indeed is your step before you deliver your speech to audience. Deliver the speech now to your mentor. Fine tune your speech your mentors input.
Now you are all set to deliver before your audience.
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