It gives me great pleasure to recognize the efforts of David Bounds with his amazing win in the D6 Area Humorous Speech Contest. As always, the competition was great and Simply Speaking's Cybele Antonow (competing with Aurorators) was a very close second. This speaks volumes of the amazing talent at Simply Speaking and we encourage more members to compete in the years to come. Lois Kamga-Ngameni won third place in the D6 Area Evaluation Contest for which he should also be proud as the competition was stiff in that contest as well.
David Bounds will go on to the Denver Division Contest and when he when he wins, he will go on to the District Championship! We wish him the very best as his speech was not only solid with a message, but also was very funny! His talent will take him to the big show and he will not leave the Division and District championships empty handed! Congrats, David!!
_______________________________________________________
Simply Speaking Bloggers: Remember to let your group know you created a blog post.
Simply Speaking Google Group
Friday, October 15, 2010
Sunday, October 10, 2010
It's a HALLOWEEN party! - Take 2
Hello Toastmasters!
Our 10/28 Halloween Party (Meeting) is only days away! Are you ready to have some fun?
In case you missed my first blog on this topic, we will be having a Halloween Party (Meeting) 10/28, the Thursday before Halloween.
Our Halloween Party will commence at 6:30p. Please come early for treats, goodies, and Halloween party music! Regular meeting activities will begin at our normal time, 7p. I will be bringing some Halloween goodies to munch on. Feel free to bring some of your own. We will also have Halloween music to make our evening festive and Halloweeny!
Again, please, please, pretty please, come in a costume! Bring that competitive spirit of yours, along with any other spirits. There will be a PRIZE for the best costume!
I will take care of roles for the meeting next week.
-- Felicia - The Halloween Toastmaster --
Our 10/28 Halloween Party (Meeting) is only days away! Are you ready to have some fun?
In case you missed my first blog on this topic, we will be having a Halloween Party (Meeting) 10/28, the Thursday before Halloween.
Our Halloween Party will commence at 6:30p. Please come early for treats, goodies, and Halloween party music! Regular meeting activities will begin at our normal time, 7p. I will be bringing some Halloween goodies to munch on. Feel free to bring some of your own. We will also have Halloween music to make our evening festive and Halloweeny!
Again, please, please, pretty please, come in a costume! Bring that competitive spirit of yours, along with any other spirits. There will be a PRIZE for the best costume!
I will take care of roles for the meeting next week.
-- Felicia - The Halloween Toastmaster --
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
An Interview on Public Speaking
I thought I'd start out my blog with a recent interview on public speaking that my daughter Abby did with me for her speech class at Colorado Christian University. She used me as her "expert" source in the field. I hope you enjoy it.
[Abby]
How long have you been doing toastmasters?
[Me]
I've been in Toastmasters for 2 years.
[Abby]
What exactly are you the VP of, and could you give a brief description of what that position entails?
[Me]
I'm the VP of Education for our Club, Simply Speaking Toastmasters
The position includes:
[Abby]
How many best speaker/ table topics/ evaluator awards have you gotten?
[Me]
I've won 3 or 4 times. I would win more, but we have about 10 other speakers in the group who are totally amazing. For example, we have Ian Humphrey in our club, and he just went to the final round of Toastmasters International Speech Contest. If he's on the schedule to speak, I just concede - might as well just hand him the best speaker ribbon before we even start. :-)
[Abby]
What do you do in your speeches?
What hook do I use? It depends.
At Toastmasters, I try to get the audience's attention at the beginning with vocal variety, having an odd title like "The Elements in Barbecue in Free Verse" , OR wearing a costume related to my talk (e.g., a bathrobe with the Cat-In-The-Hat hat, etc.). I've also used props like duct tape, etc.
At a technical presentation at a conference or user group, I have to reel it back in. But I can still use cool pictures and diagrams.
How do you prepare?
I'm starting a more structured approach:
Hmmm ... In the past, not long enough. Now, I spend about 80 hours creating a 90 minute talk.
For the 5 - 7 minute speeches at Toastmasters, I usually spend about 7 - 8 hours preparing.
What sorts of topics do you speak on?
At Toastmasters, I talk about non-technical topics:
At Toastmasters, I've done 10 speeches.
At technical user groups, I've done about 10 - 15.
At technical conferences, I've done about 15 - 20.
[Abby]
What is the longest speech you have done?
[Me]
At Toastmasters, my longest speech was about 10 minutes (but average time is 5 - 7 minutes).
At technical conferences, I'm usually doing 90 minute talks.
In November I'll be presenting at two technical user groups, and each talk will be about 60 minutes.
In April 2011, I'll be at GIDS 2011 in Bangalore India. I'll be doing 4 talks that last 45 minutes, and two more that last 180 minutes each.
I'm hoping to be at the "No Fluff Just Stuff" conferences next year, where I'll be back to the normal 90 minute talks.
I'm also thinking about doing some technical training courses next year for architects and developers. This could either be an evening class that goes for 2 hours OR it could be an all-day course on Saturday.
In the past, I've taught technical training courses where I spoke and taught 8 hours per day for 5 days straight (this including answering lots of questions) - this is very tiring.
[Abby]
Do you use visual aids?
[Me]
At Toastmasters, I use some props - Duct Tape, toys, cell phone, costumes, etc. For my upcoming talks I'll be using slides that have pictures.
At technical talks at user groups and conferences, I'll also be using slides with pictures.
[Abby]
Did you learn from others, or were you just born great? :)
If so, how did you decide who (what type of speaker) to learn from, what did you pick up?
[Me]
Very few people are born great, and I'm not one of them.
It's been a long hard process just to become good. Speaking, presenting, and teaching is a LOT of work, but I love it.
I've learned from a lot of people:
[Abby]
Where might you improve still?
[Me]
I need to work on:
[Abby]
Anything else useful you can think of for how you have become successful in speechifying?
[Me]
General Tips:
_________________________________________
Simply Speaking Bloggers: Remember to let your group know you created a blog post.
Simply Speaking Google Group
[Abby]
How long have you been doing toastmasters?
[Me]
I've been in Toastmasters for 2 years.
[Abby]
What exactly are you the VP of, and could you give a brief description of what that position entails?
[Me]
I'm the VP of Education for our Club, Simply Speaking Toastmasters
The position includes:
- Encourage (and sometimes cajole) members to achieve the next level in Toastmasters Communication and Leadership awards.
- Present communication and leadership awards when members have finished their book(s).
- Submit award applications to the Toastmasters International web site.
- Mentor new and returning members.
- Teach experienced members how to mentor others.
- Assign mentors to new members.
- Promote participation in the Toastmaster Education Program.
- Schedule meetings (although I've delegated this job to someone else).
- Plan Speech Contests (although I usually delegate to another member).
- Attend Club Officer meetings to help manage the club.
- Attend Officer Leadership Training meetings held by our Toastmaster district.
- Fill in for the President when they can't attend a meeting.
- Help the President wherever needed.
- Prepare my successor for office.
[Abby]
How many best speaker/ table topics/ evaluator awards have you gotten?
[Me]
I've won 3 or 4 times. I would win more, but we have about 10 other speakers in the group who are totally amazing. For example, we have Ian Humphrey in our club, and he just went to the final round of Toastmasters International Speech Contest. If he's on the schedule to speak, I just concede - might as well just hand him the best speaker ribbon before we even start. :-)
[Abby]
What do you do in your speeches?
- What hook do you use?
- How/ how long do you prepare?
- What sorts of topics do you speak on?
- How many speeches have you done?
What hook do I use? It depends.
At Toastmasters, I try to get the audience's attention at the beginning with vocal variety, having an odd title like "The Elements in Barbecue in Free Verse" , OR wearing a costume related to my talk (e.g., a bathrobe with the Cat-In-The-Hat hat, etc.). I've also used props like duct tape, etc.
At a technical presentation at a conference or user group, I have to reel it back in. But I can still use cool pictures and diagrams.
How do you prepare?
I'm starting a more structured approach:
- Identify the audience - what are their needs?
- Identify the purpose.
- Gather materials.
- Outline with a mind mapping tool.
- Write a first draft.
- Then, I start creating slides (but not before).
- Refine the writing and the slides.
- Practice, practice, practice. I memorize key portions of the speech, but other parts are more impromptu. I try to tell a story.
Hmmm ... In the past, not long enough. Now, I spend about 80 hours creating a 90 minute talk.
For the 5 - 7 minute speeches at Toastmasters, I usually spend about 7 - 8 hours preparing.
What sorts of topics do you speak on?
At Toastmasters, I talk about non-technical topics:
- Past:
- BBQ
- Duct Tape
- Stress in the workplace
- Over-dependence on technology
- Upcoming:
- How to mentor a new Toastmaster member
- The Toastmaster educational program
- How to Mind Map
- How to do a slide presentation
- Service-Oriented Architecture
- Web Services
- Java development
- jQuery
- JBoss (remember my book?)
- Data Interchange Formats (XML and JSON)
At Toastmasters, I've done 10 speeches.
At technical user groups, I've done about 10 - 15.
At technical conferences, I've done about 15 - 20.
[Abby]
What is the longest speech you have done?
[Me]
At Toastmasters, my longest speech was about 10 minutes (but average time is 5 - 7 minutes).
At technical conferences, I'm usually doing 90 minute talks.
In November I'll be presenting at two technical user groups, and each talk will be about 60 minutes.
In April 2011, I'll be at GIDS 2011 in Bangalore India. I'll be doing 4 talks that last 45 minutes, and two more that last 180 minutes each.
I'm hoping to be at the "No Fluff Just Stuff" conferences next year, where I'll be back to the normal 90 minute talks.
I'm also thinking about doing some technical training courses next year for architects and developers. This could either be an evening class that goes for 2 hours OR it could be an all-day course on Saturday.
In the past, I've taught technical training courses where I spoke and taught 8 hours per day for 5 days straight (this including answering lots of questions) - this is very tiring.
[Abby]
Do you use visual aids?
[Me]
At Toastmasters, I use some props - Duct Tape, toys, cell phone, costumes, etc. For my upcoming talks I'll be using slides that have pictures.
At technical talks at user groups and conferences, I'll also be using slides with pictures.
[Abby]
Did you learn from others, or were you just born great? :)
If so, how did you decide who (what type of speaker) to learn from, what did you pick up?
[Me]
Very few people are born great, and I'm not one of them.
It's been a long hard process just to become good. Speaking, presenting, and teaching is a LOT of work, but I love it.
I've learned from a lot of people:
- Scott Davis (my co-author on JBoss at Work) - who is one of the most talented technical presenters I've ever seen. He's smooth and glib. He sounds like he's talking to you personally even in a packed conference room.
- Matt McCullough - He's re-defining how to do technical presentations. From looking at his talks, I realized that I had to completely, fundamentally change how I present. Matt's slides have very few words. He uses lots of pictures and images, but he can still convey great technical information.
- Tim Berglund - ditto. He inspires me to try to get into international conferences. Go large or go home.
- Toastmasters (where do I start?):
- Ian Humphrey (Toastmasters International Speech Contest Finalist) - His presentations are powerful and inspiring. After all the things he's overcome in life, I'm reminded that NOTHING is impossible, and that "impossible" is nothing.
- Elinora Reynolds - She's smooth and glib in any situation.
- Betty Funderburke - Joy and inspiration.
- Gigi DeGala - She looks so small and innocent, but she is amazing. She is one of the most powerful and inspirational speakers I've ever heard.
- Darryle Brown - Totally Dynamic.
- Church:
- Pastor Robert - Smooth, great messages. One of the best preachers I've ever heard.
[Abby]
Where might you improve still?
[Me]
I need to work on:
- More practice
- Consider the needs of my audience for my technical talks
- Less text on my slides
- More images on my slides
- Don't read from my slides
[Abby]
Anything else useful you can think of for how you have become successful in speechifying?
[Me]
General Tips:
- Be passionate - speak about something that matters to you.
- Go to Toastmasters and see others do it.
- Go through the 1st 10 speeches in Toastmasters Competent Communication manual.
- Do the speeches in the various Advanced Communication manuals.
- Read some of the newer texts on communications and speaking (and then put what you've learned into practice):
- slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations
- Presentation Skills 201: How to Take it to the Next Level as a Confident, Engaging Presenter
- Presentation Zen
- Business Writing and Communication
- the Non-Designer's Presentation Book
- Great Web Sites:
_________________________________________
Simply Speaking Bloggers: Remember to let your group know you created a blog post.
Simply Speaking Google Group
Saturday, October 2, 2010
It's a HALLOWEEN party!
Hello Toastmasters!
I know it's super early, but I want to let you know I will be Toastmaster for our meeting on 10/28. And you know what's around the corner from 10/28?
10/31...HALLOWEEN!
Our Halloween Party (meeting) on 10/28 will commence at 6:30pm. Please come early for treats, goodies, and Halloween party music!
This year's Halloween Party (meeting) will be a scream! Please, please, please come in a costume...any costume. Here are some examples of easy costumes that can be created in minutes and with items you may already have:
I will take care of roles for the meeting during that week.
More details about the meeting to come!
-- Felicia - The Halloween Toastmaster --
I know it's super early, but I want to let you know I will be Toastmaster for our meeting on 10/28. And you know what's around the corner from 10/28?
10/31...HALLOWEEN!
Our Halloween Party (meeting) on 10/28 will commence at 6:30pm. Please come early for treats, goodies, and Halloween party music!
This year's Halloween Party (meeting) will be a scream! Please, please, please come in a costume...any costume. Here are some examples of easy costumes that can be created in minutes and with items you may already have:
The old stand by a Ghost: Grab a old white sheet, cut out the eyes. Be sure its is short enough not to trip you. Take scrap piece of sheet, and sew up a simple treat bag.
Clown: Sweet clothes that are too large. Decorate by using either fabric paint, or markers. For those who dare try tie-die. Tack on some large pop-poms, add a cheap wig, hat, and make-up. You may also stuff the extra space in clothing with tissue. However this could be messy, if you need to make a "pit-stop".
Scarecrow: Over sized flannel shirt, faded blue jeans with patches, rope for belt and to tie at the cuffs of his jeans and sleeves, stuff the shirt and jeans with plastic grocery, or paper, a little bit of straw to hang out of jeans and shirt. Add a little bit of make-up.
The American tourist: Guys loud Hawaii shirt, shorts (if weather permits), Large straw hat. Gals bright loud dress, flats, big sun hat, straw bag. Don't forget to have a camera, and maps hanging out, and that look of being lost. Guys can use a tourist bag, (like you get from travel agents, and gals can use the straw bag for their treats.
1960s Hippy: This one is hard, after all its all back in style! What is real, and what is costume? ;-) Tie die clothing, long wig (in the old days we called a "fall", sandals, headband, anything with fringe on it (vests, purse...) light colored sun glasses.
Old man: Dark paints (cuffed), and jacket, most any dress shirt, mans flannel hat, walking cane. Gray the hair, with any of the commercial temporary colors, or dust with a little flour.
Old woman: Old style dress, just below knee, knee-hi stockings rolled down a little, oxfords, large black purse.
Your chance to be a real nerd. Slick back the hair, grab some paints that are too short, white shirt, white socks, penny loafers, or lace up oxfords, pocket protector, with lots of pens, dark rim glasses (don't forget to tape the corner, or at least paper clip it) briefcase, or backpack for treat bag.
You might win a prize for the best costume because there may be a contest! Bring that competitive spirit of yours, along with any other spirits.I will take care of roles for the meeting during that week.
More details about the meeting to come!
-- Felicia - The Halloween Toastmaster --
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