You may search the Internet and will find very few sources
which will tell you the “real” way to write and deliver a good (and even great)
speech. Don’t get me wrong, there are the usual academic tips scattered
everywhere like the sands on a beach; but the pros that get paid because they
have powerful messages and can sway audiences don’t follow those worn out methods.
Over time, in my visits with you here, I will share with
you my rants and raves between my thoughts in
how you can write, deliver and
get paid for a great speech.
My intent here (you’ll find that intent is the very first
thing to consider in any writing; me to you, and you to your speaking audience)
is to offer ways you’ll find unique to what’s out there.
Yes, learn the basics that are “out there”; the rules and then break them. Don’t break
anything until you know the “rules”. You can learn these rules at Toastmasters,
school and college courses, night classes, online and even YouTube are great
places. Graduate from at least the very first level at Toastmasters to learn
confidence and not to use “filler words” like ums and ahs; so you don’t sound
like the typical radio talk show host.
And please, don’t think as one of my friends thought (at
least if you want to write, deliver and get paid for a great speech) that because
she presented to grade schoolers for her city job once every month or two that
she didn’t need help; Toastmasters or otherwise.
So you’ve taken (or are taking) speaking courses or you
are a member of (or have graduated from) Toastmasters and you are ready to
become better to do, be and have more in life from your speaking talent and
skills. You’ve come to the right place.
Allow me to introduce myself, offer reasons why you should
trust me to guide you along your continual path to speaking “fame” and “riches”.
I have spoken professionally (meaning I’ve received
payment for speaking) for many years; as a public speaker, entertainer and
singer having done presentations and performances for everything from private
parties, corporate events and workshops for business people; since I was in
high school and college (a “few” years back).
I held just about every position in several Toastmaster
Clubs (except Treasurer; not my forte) and in every meeting role working myself
up to ATM-B and was also the International Division Governor which admittedly
sounds like a real big deal, being “International” (which was a big deal; but
not a “real” big deal) because the division included the area of northern
Minnesota, USA and part of Canada (which “included” some interesting border
crossings and material for speeches!). I truly enjoyed everything about
Toastmasters and still have great associations with the members past and
present though my time hasn’t allowed me visiting privileges.
I taught public speaking on the university level both in
class and also online, which was an interesting effort because I never heard
any of my student’s speeches but was very confident in grading them accordingly
to their ability. (Ask me sometime how I did this). Teaching Oral Communication online required me
actually “creating” the course!
In my physical classroom I insisted that every student
attend at least one local Toastmaster meeting and to take notes. They did not
have to “participate” if they did not feel comfortable but this way they were “exposed”
to the awesome training which is basically free. To become a member is very
minimal!
I found this on a site: https://ramstein.toastmastersclubs.org/
So are Learning Tree, Dale Carnegie and “U of M”;
whatever that is, lessor choices than Toastmasters? Not necessarily. They are
all good and have their place. Choose one or all over time; but Toastmasters
does have a lot of bang for the buck! I don’t see “private coaching” or some
other online options here which are also very good and in many cases “better”;
but in my humble opinion, only after you’ve learned from one or all of the
above.
Many professionals have never been through Toastmasters;
just as many millionaires have never gone through college or even graduated
from high school. Am I advocating against college or high school; no, but “just
sayin’”.
Learn all you can,
where you can
and never stop learning.
Ter Scott, Life & Legacy Coach.
What I don’t know, I continually learn from the “masters”*
and pass on to others via books, lectures, training, Meetup groups, and other
offline and online venues.
*The masters are those from the past and present who were
or are successful in leading movements, help others, get paid high fees and share
their knowledge, experience and skills.
I hope to empower you, my reader, over time with these
written conversations from time to time. I will share my thoughts on how you
can write a good speech, deliver a good speech and get paid well to deliver it;
so be sure to return.
I’m an advocate of learning
from everything; everywhere and at any time. These are eulogy speeches but they
are also “speeches”; don’t miss that. You can learn from this teacher and
transfer the tips from presenting this type of speech over to other types of
speeches, audiences, venues and occasions.
Read what he says on his site; the tips, etc. You'll see that Ryan is a very genuine guy; I think you'll like him. His site is pretty "simple" looking but he offers practical and good information to use and learn from.
Check it out here.
Good success!
Ter Scott!
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