FEBRUARY 2002

I i'Ki

Using Multimedia
Without Getting Lost

The Audience Is It!

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Gain control of your audience's
attention, guide their opinions and
motivate their response.

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 VIEWPOINT The
TOASTMASTER Publislw DOMNAH-GROH
E«tor SUZANNE FREY
ASHClati Editor KELLY ANN LACASCIA
Editorial Assistanl MADGE HAMMOND
ertphic Dosign SUSAN CAMFBEU

TIOmCERSAND DIRB:THtS
Fouiidar DR. RALPH c. SMEDIEY (1878-1965)

OFFICERS
bdomalieoil Praoidcnt ALFRED R. HERZIng, DIM
2016} Vlj Ll V)«)l
Vorta Unda. CA 92887

StfliorVictPraoidtnl GAVIN BLAKEY, DIM

46 Cofonj Avenue
AshgRTve, QLD 4060, AustnlU

I Believe In You! SocoBdViciProoidont ted CORCORAN, DIM

124 Grange Road
Baldoyle, Dublin 12, lieUnd

Our international theme this year is "Take Control Of Your Destiny." Granted, Third vico PrtsUoM JON GREINER, DTM
1607 W.Cadar Hills Drive
DunUp.il 61625
fate often interrupts our plans, but I believe that in the end, with a positive immdi* Patt Prcshtenl JOANNA MCWIIIIAMS, DTM
attitude and positive action, you control what happens. »I5 Addbon Qide.1501
Addtxn. TX 75001-3308

As you take control of your destiny, you need goals to provide you with &»eulivt Obacior DONNA H. GROH
ToasAmistm IntenMiocaJ

direction. A person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder. A few months P.O. 6o% 9052
MiuiooVlelOrCA 92690

ago, I asked you to set written goals. How are you doing? Are you still on track? SMrottry-IrNturor MARGIE POWERS
tDaitmasiRs Iniemallonal
Knowing where you stand is the first step. If you're on track, wonderful! If P.O. Bui 9052
Mission Vlclo, CA 92690
you're not as far along as you would like, it's time to take action. This is how
DlltECTORS
you control your destiny.
DAN BLANEY, DTM JENNIFER O.JOHNSON, DTM
When I train district officers, I always ask them to set goals. Then 1 ask them 3908 Hunters Grrer Dftv*
HoTTticr, KY4UM2-3012
P.O Bm 140562
Ifvlnj, Tens 7J0144JS62
to repeat with me this phrase: "If it is to be, it is up to me." This is a crucial CHUCK CARPENIER, DTM PAM KEYZER, DTM
IQJSAitentDnve 474 Wni 2J8th St.. #61
point. Don't expect someone else to do the work for you. You must own the Si. Louis. MO 63146-5001 tlverdalc. KY 10463

situation. You must take action. You must make it happen. This is what "Take FRANK CONNELLY, DIM DONNA G. LABATT, DTM
1359 noe CreeB Bldge Dr. 2216 Falnvay Terrace
PovtbauiLVA 23139 aavls.NMB8101
Control Of Your Destiny" is all about.
DOROTHY COTTTNGHAM, DTM AUGUSITNE LEE, DTM
Destiny will throw some challenges in your path. Consider them opportu PO. But 1374
PonUisd, OB 97207
Ghlm Moh Estate
P.O. Boi 0256

nities! Every problem hungers for a solution. In business, that solution can be BEITY EISENZIMMER, DTM
Singapore 912739
8932• 240th Street S.W. RANDY PRIER, DIM
worth a fortune. So how will you respond? 1 believe in you. I believe that you Ednsonds, WA 98026-9020 Bl 7 Donepl Olive
PipUUoaNH 68046
will look that challenge in the face and overcome it with decisive action. CHRB FORD, DTM
5488 Wnodsldc Drive GEORGE scon,JR., DTM
How can you take action? If you are working toward your CTM and you MutoUrk.Onnnu. Canaila K4M IB4 .10l4Bcibln Bldge Court
Fatrfu.VA 22031-2133
JUSTTN A. GOTTFRQD, DIM
want to earn it by June 30, then come prepared to your club meetings with 1925 Hesi C^ayion Ctesl Avenue CHRISTIN'E TEMBUQUE, DTM
Mllsnukee. Wl 53221 Calvvio Boundary ^hiysoy
your manual and a speech. If there is a last-minute cancellation, you can step MARY DREW HAMILTON, COM
Meyiauayia Bulion, Rilllpploes 3020
P.O. Boi I0O2 DIANE E. VAUGHN, DTM
in. And let the area governor know that you want to speak at other clubs. Most AlpharetU. GA 3a(»9-1002 P.O. B<n 2597
Ciqsenico, CA 95015
clubs would love to have a guest speaker. DANTE HARDIE, DTM
641911 .Ave. MARY JONES WILUARG, DIM
You can take action as an officer. Is your team achieving its goals? Expand Edmonton. AJbrni. Canada T6L 4AI 1I74A PItRfleld Lane
Ventmj,a 93001

your team, if necessary, to bring in fresh ideas and energy. Examine everything For Information on Joining or building a dub. calL
the team does and ask yourself, "Is this helping us reach our goals?" Remember, l-BOO-RWE-SPEAK • Or amail dubsOtoastmastarB.org
Wortd Wide Webr htlpj/www.toadnwdara.ofg
you have Select and Distinguished goals to reach by June 30, so doing some To placo adviitiBing or Bubmtt attidM. contacl
thing that will pay off in three years should take a back seat to something that TQASTHASTERS IKTERNATiaNAL
PUBUCATIONS OEPARTMENTr
will get results now. Area governors, have you found your new club yet? If not, P.O. SOX Pl»2• MISSION VIEIO. CA 92690 USA
(96918S8-R2S5• nX:{9i9) BS8-1207
put together a team now to find that opportunity. Hold the demonstration VtUCeMAiL:(9491858-2665
meeting and get it chartered. amaH: pub8CtwlmwtaiB.org
To diiitga mailing address:
And let's not "try" to make it happen. Our theme is not "Try to Take Control Iminis201eastm8siars.org
of Your Destiny." As Yoda, the Jedi Master from the Star Wars movies said, "Do
THE TOAmiASTEA Migjzlnc (HSN 00408263) Is published monthly by
or do not. There is no try." Don't just "try" to achieve your goals - do it! You TDutmasieis Intcmatloiul, Inc., 23182 Arniyo VIsu, Rancho Sania
Margarita, CA 92688, U.S.A Peiiodtais postage paid at Mission V!e|o. CA
have your goals and you have your plan - now, get started! and additional mailing office. POSTMASTER: Send address change to THE
TOASTMASTER Migulnc. PO. Bra 9052, Mission Vlc|o. CA 92690, USA.
Publisbed to pmmote the ideas and goals of Toastmasteis IntemaUonal,
I believe in you. Never give up! You can do it! a nan jrofti educational organliaUon a clubs throughout the world ded-
fcated(0 Itacftlng sJdlls Is public speaking and leadership. Members' sub-
Take Control Of Your Destiny! faipOtxD are Induded in inc 518 teml annual dues.
file oSOaJ pubbcaOon d Toaitmuten Inienutlonal unies authorized
DoOcs and articles ngaiding the acttvtoes and Interests ol the organLo-
Bon. bid Ksponsdilljly b not assumed foi the optnlons of the authors of
other amdes.
CepyUgfat 2002 by Tbastmastca IntemaOonaL Inc. All rights reserved,
leprcductlon Ui vrhole or In pan without wrttten permlaslon Is ptohlblled.
Not icsponslbie for unsolicited material.
TtMSfflusten InterutloniL THE TOASTMASTEK, and the Tbaslmaster
btcmatMial EmUem ait ttademaiks of Toastmastn Intemaiional regis-
wad In the United Slates, Canada, and many other countiles, Marca tei-
Alfred R. Hej^g Iflada <n Mealco. Printed m 178.A.

International Preside iPikMiiltqeMPaafr

The Toastmaster o February 2002

Contents February 2002
Volume 68. no. 2
departments

2 VIEWPOINT; I Believe in You!

By International President Alfred Herzing, DTM
features

4 LETTERS '--ft

5 MY TURN: Embracing Imperfection 6 ROAD WORK

A case for practicing your
By fa Ann Kirby, CTM
speech in the car.
By Wes Andrues, CTM
12 LEADERSHIP: Speakers Are Leaders
By Craig Harrison, DTM

14 CAN WE TALK? Are You a Toastmaste/?

By}im Carmickle, ATM
8 MESMERIZING LEADERSHIP
A hypnotist shares how he controls his audiences,
guides their opinions and motivates their responses.
20 TECH TALK: Bringing Technical
By Howard Morgan

Presentations to Life
By Rob Sherman

22 HOW TO; leaving Voice Mail Messages

that Get Returned
{■ 16 USING MULTIMEDIA
WITHOUT LOSING YOURSELF
By Karl Walinskas, ATM
Use technology to support, not
overtake, your presentation.
30 TOPICAL TIPS; Send It! By Ruby Newell-Legner
By Mark Majcher, ATM

31
24
HALL OP FAME
THE AUDIENCE IS IT!
Ensure that your speech and its
The Toastmastm Ttshm
Toastnasters International empowers people to achieve their full potently and realize their intended listeners are a good fit.
dreams. Through our member dubs, people throughout die wotio can improve their com By Caren Neile, ATM-S
munication and leadership suUs. and find the courage to change.

The Toastmasters Mission:

Toastmasters International is the leading movement devoted to making
effective oral communication a worldwide reality.
Through its member clubs. Toastmasters International helps men and women
leem the arts of speaking, listening and thinking - vital skiUs that promote
self-actualization, enhance teadership potenti^ faster human
understanding, and ranbibute hi the betterment of mankind.
28 THE TWO INVIOLATE
UWS OF PUBLIC SPEAKING
It is basic to this mission that Toastinastars International continually expand Character and content are
its worldwide network of dubstitereby offering ever-greater numbers what really counts.
of people the opportunity to toefit from its programs.
By Paul Evans

The Toastmaster • February 2002

 LETTERS

'OUTSTANDING'ARTICLE another legendary explanation: All five senses should

I just received the December 2001 issue of The Toastmaster come into play to get the greatest pleasure from a
and "Meet the Five Outstanding Speakers of 2001" is drink. It is tasted, touched, seen, smelled and - with
tremendous, informative, well written, interesting and the clink - heard.
thoroughly inspiring. Thanks! I am writing this on Christmas Day, so I say to my fel
Marjorie ZisKovsky. ATM-S -Tama-Toleilo Club 12i3-19-Toleiio. Iowa
low Toastmasters:
/ drink to your health when I'm with you
A CHANGED LIFE I drink to your health when I am alone
While an inmate at the Naval Consolidated Brig at I drink to your health so often
Miramar (NCBM), 1 read the book, Chicken Soup for the I'm beginning to worry about my own
Prisoner's Soul. Through the book, I realized how many MicliBal Lsvinred. DTH • Oisbict One Showcase Club A970-1 •Torrance. CaUfomia
inmates are attending Toastmasters and changing their
lives. I joined the Toastmasters club here and found the A CLUB TOAST
mentors and members to be positive and motivated to I recently served as Table Topicsmaster for the first time
help each other become better communicators. Through and wanted to make it special. Believing very strongly in
Toastmasters, I have a new excitement toward a career I the privilege and responsibility of "toasting" someone,
am very passionate about. I want to thank not only the no matter what the occasion, I thought I'd make the
mentors here at NCBM, but all those who give of their opportunity available to my fellow club members.
time to help those of us who have made mistakes in our Besides being a truly impromptu speaking opportuni
lives. Through Toastmasters, I have finally found some ty, toasting someone (of their own choosing) allowed
thing I can succeed at. the speakers to discover the joy in truly and sincerely
Gregory P. Banker,future CTM • Inspirationalists Gavel Club 162•San Diego. California acknowledging someone. And the smiles these kind
words elicited made the experience even more magical
RESPECT FOR A HELPING HAND and created a true sense of family in our club.
I read with keen interest the article by Jean Shipos, "Experi Stu Needel• Plantation Cbib 2582-47 • Plantation. Florida
encing the Gavel Club" (September 2001). I agree with
Jean that regardless of educational level or social status, A NOTE FROM MALAYSIA
all people have a basic need to communicate and be I read with great interest "The Way They Said It" (Nov
heard. This was Dr. Smedley's vision when he started ember 2001). However, there is one factual inaccuracy in
Toastmasters. I was moved when I read the words of the President Roosevelt's speech quoted in the article. It said:
inmate who hastily ran around the room, shaking as "Yesterday, the Japanese government also launched an
many hands as possible, saying "Don't give up on us. attack against Malaysia..." I would like to point out that
Please come back." Malaysia was formed in 1963; when the Japanese
U.S. Bolan, CTM « City of Gold Club 8154-U * Dubii. llnitod Arab Emiratos
attacked in 1941, it attacked Malaya and not Malaysia.
On a separate note, the article by Dr. Richard Lederer,
A TOASTING LEGACY "English is a Crazy Language" was very amusing and
I was delighted to read the articles on toasting in the kept me laughing the whole time! My favorite is: "Why
December issue. Toasts have been of interest to me ever is the word abbreviation so long?" Thank you for that
since 1 joined Toastmasters 29 years ago in South Africa. wonderful piece of literary work.
In my club, a toast was part of every program. A member Intan Mastura Maulud -ACCA Club 3762-51 - Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia
prepared and proposed a toast to any person or subject of
his or her choice and another member was randomly LAUGHING AT UNGUAGE
asked to respond. "English is a Crazy Language"(November 2001) was fab
When I moved to California, 1 suggested that the prac ulous. It really was high time someone put down in print
tice be followed in the club I transferred to, and I am the many absurdities of the English language. I really
happy to say it is still being done. enjoyed the article - so much so that I am going to use it
In this article, Perry E. Gresham refers to the belief on our club's joke session to elicit a few laughs. Thank
that clinking glasses when completing a toast is to expel you. Dr. Lederer.
evil spirits. Paul Dickson, in his book Toasts, cites Chris Barret ATM • RsdstMi Club 1932-48•Hunts^. Alabama

4 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

 MY TURN
By Jo Ann Kirby.CTM

Don't lower your standards-just learn to take chances.

Embracing Imperfection
JASON GIVES WONDERFUL SPEECHES; CAREFULLY THOUGHT OUT, have been known to go to great lengths
to avoid it. But for us to achieve higher
with magnificent use of words. The entire club listens to him performance levels, leam new skills or
expectantly and with great enjoyment. Jason Is at least an just tolerate a dentist's visit, we must
step out of this comfort zone.
ATM-B,isn't he? No, he's only done five manual speeches in We don't always have time to prac
two years - Jason will give a speech only when it's perfect. tice speeches or presentations until
they are perfect. And our jobs and
For many people, fear of public speaking isn't what lives often demand that we speak on short notice. This is
brings them to Toastmasters. It's the fear of not speaking where the Toastmasters experience can make a difference.
perfectly. They're fine when they've had plenty of time to Embrace Table Topics. Watch how others answer. When
write, memorize and rehearse. But doing something on I first joined Toastmasters, 1 couldn't believe how well
short notice? Not on your life! Table Topics is dreaded. No some people spoke "off the cuff." Then 1 began to realize
rehearsal, no warning, just get up and speak for two min that each member had developed a coping mechanism to
utes. What a nightmare for them. get themselves though. Some members repeated the ques
It's time to embrace imperfection. It's OK to speak tion before answering. This not only helped them to fully
when we're not fully prepared. After all, think about how understand what was asked, but it also gave them time to
often we speak at work on short notice: The boss is out think of an answer. Others would turn the question on its
sick and someone has to lead the staff meeting or the pre side until they found a comfortable angle to speak about.
sentation to the new client. The company president and Still others wouldn't answer the question at all but used it
executive staff unexpectedly flies in from Chicago and as a jumping-off point to talk about something else.
expects a full briefing on the past six months in three I made it a point to study these methods and incorpo
hours. Do you just quit so you don't have to do it? Of rate them into my own answers, and slowly but surely, I
course not. You are, however, a mass of taut nerve endings began to improve. I'm now more at ease when speaking
until it's over. But it doesn't have to be that way. off the cuff.
I always hated going to the dentist. I found it painful When it comes to prepared speeches, take a chance.
and frightening. Until I began to think about how long Offer to step up and fill in that last-minute opening on
each appointment actually took. I was surprised to realize the agenda, even though you're not completely satisfied
that I was generally out of the dentist's chair in less than with your preparation. You might be pleasantly surprised
half an hour."Hmm," I thought. "1 just have to remember at how well it goes. If it doesn't go well, though, you've
that it will all be over in 30 minutes. I can do that." And also learned something. You've learned that you can be
I did. I found myself applying this principle to other areas. less then perfect and survive - and the next time, you'll
That phone call I dreaded making? Make it now and in be more at ease.
five minutes it will be over. A meeting in the conference Embrace imperfection. It doesn't mean lowering your
room with all the windows on the 50th floor? There and standards. It means freeing yourself from your limitations
back in an hour. and taking chances to achieve higher levels of success.
I've learned that I can do anything if I focus on what Toastmasters allows you to practice your speaking skills.
comes afterward. I don't mind the dentist any more. And And if you think about it, Toastmasters is about improv
while I'll probably never like heights, I won't let it keep ing our skills at each meeting. So why would we look for
me from doing what I want. perfection? We're looking for continual improvement,
So how does this fit in with Toastmasters? Easy. Many and that's a different thing entirely. O
motivational writers and speakers talk of a "comfort zone."
We all have them. They're the everyday routines and habits Jo Ann Kirby. CTM. is a member of Wayne Toastmasters Club
we're comfortable with. Most people dislike change and 2099-46 in Wayne, New Jersey.

The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

 m

rX.fT.i*:'..-V

By Wes Andrues. CTM

Road Work:
A Case for Practicing Your
Who has time to just drive anymore? Speech in the Car
Iadmit it. I'm one of those milk-every-minute types who
indulge in the fine art of multi-tasking. I derive a per
now a mobile activity center, a place where personal
grooming and light office work are the norm. For Toast-
verse validation from doing a number of things at once, masters like me,the car is especially valuable as a practice
feeling somehow that by being an ultra-productive mem hall for public speaking. It is a four-wheeled cone of
ber of society, I'm destined to collect bonus points in the silence, if you will, allowing me the opportunity to mod
hereafter. Heaven forbid I should squander a second on ify, polish or otherwise become familiar with the impend
idle pursuits. Nope, I am shoulder-to-shoulder with my ing subject matter to be delivered. If preparation is the
industrialized brethren when it comes to maximizing the foundation of any good speech, then what better way to
moment. Anything else would be the equivalent of spend my commute than to become intimate with the
switching to decaf. content of my presentation?
Of course, much of this manic activity is manifested in Yet for all its benefits to speakers like me, the car has
the car; after all, who really has the time to just drive any one significant drawback - lack of privacy. What with
more? The car has become more than transportation; it is window glass being standard equipment nowadays, the

The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

r
sad fact is that to practice in the car is often to do
^ "The car Is tice that speech! Just try not to
so within view of others. For all purposes, prac four-wheeled cone that during the actual
I .
ticing in the car means talking to yourself. delivery.
While styling one's hair, talking on the
ofsilence, if you will,
phone or reading the paper in the car allowing me the opportunity TINT YOUR WINDOWS
may constitute normal 21st century I've never been a
activities, talking to yourself is still to modify, polish or otherwise fan of tinted win
high on the list of taboo behavior, become familiar with the dows. I'm always
ranking right up there with clipping your afraid the police will
toenails at the dinner table. So what's an impending subject suspect I'm up to some
ambitious Toastmaster to do when confronted thing. They pull me over for
matter to be
with this cruel reality? Practice in a quiet room nitpicky items, smelling my
before a mirror like normal people? Certainly not! delivered/^ breath and scanning the car's inte
Based on my vast experience with this very issue, rior as they size me up. They'll fabri
humbly offer six tips for speaking on the road. cate traffic violations, such as, "I pulled
you over because your license plate wasn't
PRACTICE INTO YOUR MOBILE PHONE perfectly rectangular. You'd better have that
Finally a practical use for this technology. By joining the checked out." Of course, if the officer has an
throngs of others who drive with one hand and commu extra five-to-seven minutes to spare, it's a fantastic oppor
nicate with the other, you'll be no more noticed than a tunity to try out the speech on a real person.
bait salesman in Minnesota. Of course, the beauty of this
tactic is that you're not actually using the phone. TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE
Onlookers will be impressed with your purposeful and If you want to be alone, then be alone. There's a big,
unyielding conversational demeanor, and you'll be beautiful world of backroads out there, all sparsely popu
impressed with the success of this facade. You won't be lated for your speaking convenience. While your boss
burning minutes or draining the battery, and the only may have a problem with your new work route (which
potential pitfall that could arise is if the phone actually now includes a mandatory swing through Wyoming),
rings during your presentation. Don't answer! Later, you you can speak to your heart's content, drawing suspicion
can truthfully tell the caller you were on the phone. perhaps only from a few prairie dogs. You'll be logging a
If you don't own a mobile phone, you can always lot more miles, but those extra visits to the pump will be
chance it and talk into something that closely resembles worth it come speech time.
one—like the remote control to your VCR. Be cautious,
however, that prying eyes don't discover this double ruse PUT UP A SIGN
and call the authorities. In the end, honesty is the best policy. Instead of hiding
your habit, tell the world! With a crayon and a sheet of
BUY A MANNEQUIN bond paper, you can advertise the fact that you're not
Lucky for us there's already a market for automotive crazy, just preparing for your next speech. In fact, 1
dummies. No joke, mannequins are made for everything believe Toastmasters International would do well to
from cheating in the carpool lane to feeling more protect release a line of bumper stickers strictly for this purpose.
ed in tough neighborhoods. As a Toastmaster, you will be There's promotional value in slogans like, "I'm not just
putting the mannequin to an entirely different use. This driving, I'm delivering," or "My other car is a podium."
mock passenger will be the imagined target of your imag While there are some purists who will never put these
ined conversation. Practice with confidence! There's noth tips to the test, it is nonetheless comforting to know there
ing wrong with you! You're simply carrying on a conver are options for Toastmasters on the go. Where practice is
sation with a piece of fiberglass. Make sure you both buck concerned, we should never eschew the sure-fire benefits
le up, however, or a sudden stop may send your passenger of a quiet room, a stopwatch and a full-length mirror;
into the dashboard, and send your tactic up in smoke. however, when we find ourselves short on disposable
time, nothing beats a little roadwork. o
PRETEND TO BE SINGING
While talking to yourself may be considered a sign of
maladjustment, singing to yourself is altogether accepted Wes Andrues. CTM. is a writer living in Springfield, Virginia.
in today's hip society. Close your eyes (when stopped in He wants to assure all motorists he did not write this article
traffic only!), feel the beat, lean your head back and prac- while driving.

The Toastmasttr • February 2002

H O W A K n M (") R (; A N 1 L 1. U S I R A r I O N I-: Y !•: w I R K

Gain control of your audience's attention, guide

their opinions and motivate their response.

,11
■vs

MM* ^<0
 fter all is said and done, leadership for the entire experience. If the air conditioner doesn't
work or you forget to comb your hair, that's all the audi
and public speaking are about being
ence is going to notice and remember, which brings me
in control. Not in a pushy, bullyish to my first point:
sort of way, but it is about gaining control of
your audience's attention, guiding their opin Create a Persona
going to trust me with all your attention, if you're
ions and motivating response.
going to willingly suspend your disbelief long enough to
allow me to influe.nce your thinking, then you'll need to
And that's what I've done, as a professional hyp
believe two things. First, that I know what I'm doing and
notherapist and stage hypnotist for the past 30 years. In
second, that I have your best interest in mind.
fact, that's all a hypnotist ever does. Beneath all the fluff
Creating a persona is essential in any leadership
and superstitions, hypnosis is about getting 100 percent
endeavor. The shift manager at McDonalds and the
of a subject's attention, thus helping that person to get
motivational speaker at the next International Peace
past the distractions, cop-outs and excuses. Hypnosis
Summit will both be judged by the image they project.
won't violate any moral or ethical paradigms, but it
It's about coming across as competent.
allows you to overcome obstacles and rearrange the sub
This includes a lot of what you learn in Toastmasters:
ject's thinking process. And the good news is you, as a
personal hygiene, clothing, professional props and
Toastmaster, don't have to wave a watch to get similar
preparation. You'll also find that credentials, endorse
results from your audiences.
ments by peers or superiors and the overall sense of calm
you project under pressure will help establish your audi
ence's confidence in you, whether you are talking to one
person or an auditorium full of conventioneers.
How much you're paid, the kind of publicity that pre
cedes you, and the quality of the overall package all
establish your perceived authority on your subject.

Seek To Meet Their Needs

TJ^Hgond point to keep in mind when requesting peo
ple's trust is that unless they believe you have their best
interest in mind, they'll never lower their guard. Again,
it's all a reflection of your attitude. Napoleon had
sergeants tell him about troop members. Casual com
You'll recognize some of the techniques listed below ments as he inspected the troops like, "Johnson, I hear
from Toastmasters manuals, others may seem unfamiliar your wife just had a baby, congratulations," or "Martinez,
to you, having evolved from a different ancestry. The I heard about your sore leg, how's it feeling?" did far
common thread here is that they work for me, both on more than all the "go-get-them" speeches ever could. If
stage where I have five minutes or so to you can convince people of your interest, and willingness
talk 15 people into giving me 100 to go out of your way to help meet their needs, they'll lis
percent of their attention ten to you. Research your audience, show you care.
and in private therapy set Before you ask somebody to follow your lead, you better
tings, where I'm expected be sure they believe it's in their best interest.
to change the way a person This principle can be used in virtually any situation. A
thinks in 50 minutes. manager who tells an employee, "Tom, you get with it
I'm breaking this down into or you're fired," at best will scare Tom into putting on a
categories only because it's easier good show, and ultimately do nothing but make Tom
to understand that way. angry and resentful. Explaining, "Tom, I know you can
In practice, effective do this. Please let me know how I can help, because, to
leadership is an be honest, if something doesn't change here fast, I'm
all-or-nothing not sure I can afford to keep you around" is still a threat,
proposition. As but it shows concern for his needs, a desire to help, and
a leader or speak motivates Tom's loyalty and willingness to put 110 per
er, you're ultimat cent into earning your friendship and respect. It tells
ely responsible him you're on his side.

5% The Toastmaster • February 2002

 Basically, I can't hypnotize you, motivate you, influ fact that someone with more authority and skill has put
ence you or even keep your attention as long as I have this master plan together usually intimidates employees
an adversarial relationship with you. Once you trust my into just following instructions without question or
ability to produce, you'll find that the more you feel my thought. Speakers who offer a "5-step plan" will be far
motivation is meeting your needs, the more willing more successful than those with a single suggestion.
you'll be to trust me to think for you.

Create a Mob
Regulate Avaiiabilit A<cth#very powerful motivator is the "wisdom" of the
way to disarm contradiction is to regulate your crowd. Surveys of demonstrators in the '60s showed that
availability. My comparative success rate as a hypnother large percentages of the aowd didn't even know why they
apist is quite outstanding. But truth be told, it's not were there. They just wanted to do what everybody else was
because I'm any better than most, it's because I'm expen doing, because if the mob thinks it's okay, then it must be.
sive and I refuse to take on anybody I'm not sure I'll be When I do my seminars I begin by doing safe "mob-
successful with. My persona and rehearsed empathy creating" exercises - anything that'll force everybody in
allow this. When potential clients seek the room to participate in a communal
my help, 1 regularly tell them I don't activity. Stand up and stretch, jump up
think they're ready for my brand of 'If you can convince and down, rub the shoulders of the per
therapy. I often use comments like, "I'd son next to you. The wilder the behav
people of your interest
love to help you, but to be honest with ior I can talk everybody into doing, the
you, I really don't think you want to and willingness to more willing they'll be to continue
change." The impulsive reaction is to doing "the incredible" for me, provided
get defensive. Once they start begging go out ofyour way I can convince them everybody else in
me to help, I usually warn them that the room will. I make entire rooms full
to help meet their
my way takes work. We're going to face of people walk on fire by establishing
the problems head-on and not slow needs, they'll "a mob" and then guiding them
down. If they're still willing to pay for through the process of accepting "com
the session, then we get started. listen to you/* munal" self-confidence.
Managers can apply this principle If you can get your entire sales crew
with comments like, "Bob, you have what it takes to be a to wear crazy hats for a day at work or talk your entire
great shift leader, but to be honest with you, I don't audience into closing their eyes and imagining some
think you're willing to make the sacrifices it would take thing with you, you'll soon find most, if not all, of your
to get you there." Public speakers can force attention crowd blindly "following the mob."
and suspend disbelief by making comments like, "There
isn't a one of you here who can't make this work.
Unfortunately many of you probably won't even try." (!rcate Metaphors
The basic formula here is simple: I've just told you 1 have their attention, let them see themselves
believe in you more than you do, and I'll be available to doing what you want them to do. Remember "selling the
prove you can do it as soon as you'll quit trying to do it sizzle?" It works much better once an audience trusts
your way and trust me to guide you. you and your intentions. Comments like "Karen, I can
see you running your own store some day" will start
Karen daydreaming. Audiences will react quicker to,
Practice Stacking "Running doesn't start getting you in shape until it
Nowjjj^start getting into the exotic. Once you've estab becomes work" than they would to "you need to get all
lished your credentials and desire to meet their needs, your paperwork done if you want to get good at it."
and you've made your help a commodity they must be If you ask someone to do something, it invites them
willing to pay for, you need to convince them into let to look for your selfish motives. If you create images in
ting you do the thinking for them. One way to do that is their minds, they rarely come back down to earth long
called stacking. enough to think it through.
If you ask people to do something, it's an invitation for
them to figure out why you're asking. If you give them a
list of things to do, they have to decide whether to make Do The Unexpected
fools of themselves while thinking it all through, or trust I jg^ember once, during a speech, pulling out a $100
you must have worked it all out ahead of time. bill. While discussing the value of working as a team I
When corporate management offers "training manu spoke a bit about the spending power of a $100. Then I
als" or "company policies," it uses this technique. The casually tore the bill in half and explained how each half f

10 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

I
wasn't worth $50. I then wadded up the two halves and is an opportunity to prove you can grow. Which one do
tossed them into the trash can at the end of the stage. It you want to start with?"
definitely got the audience's attention; they're probably Obviously, this works only if you've taken the time to
still talking about it. It forced them to temporarily live in carefully think through the entire sequence ahead of
a world without preset rules, a world where $100 was a time, but my guess is there are very few "new" issues you
mere stage prop. 1 didn't tell them that 1 actually deal with in your daily management or speaking envi
switched "roles of paper" in my hand as 1 wadded the ronment. Milton Erickson, a pioneer in innovative hyp
bill and 1 stuck the two halves (which 1 later taped back notherapy, used to work miracles using this technique.
together) in my pocket. And 1 got a kick out of the num If the world really is a stage, it's up to you to decide if
ber of participants who sheepishly worked their way you want to work with an audience that's giving you a
over to the trash can during the next break. small percentage of their attention, or if you'd rather do
That's a dramatic example of a stage demonstration. a hypnotic show. As in most truly wise advice about liv
When working one-on-one in therapy settings 1 go out ing, these techniques will work everywhere, from indi
of my way to react in unconventional ways to things vidual encounters to corporate leadership. But don't take
people tell me. Again it shocks them, destroys their con my word for it, just put on a crazy hat for a day or two
ventional security blankets, gets their attention and while looking for ways to meet the needs of your listen
forces them to live in my world. People who come in ers, and you'll soon find that creating a separate reality
and start listing problems regularly get an excited "Great!" has its own inherent rewards. o
Most of them are so used to getting sympathy that it
means nothing to them. My excitement is a real shocker,
and anything 1 say after that they're sure to remember. 1 Howard Morgan is a freelance writer and former Toastmas-
usually follow with an enthusiastic, "That's so much bet ter living in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. A practicing
ter than when people walk in not knowing what's both hypnotherapist and stage hypnotist for 30 years, he runs
ering them." Or maybe, "Every one of those 'problems' the Focused Life Institute in Oklahoma City.

Tilt: llifili I'lliiiiiiiiiiin

l.i niin\liiji I'lVfiiniii /s I'lii i
III Iluisiuiiisim' ii nilnsliifi imik.
ihir III llw ii iiiiiinitails Ini ilir
\ilviiiii i ii h lull I is niiiifiliiiiiii
III llir iiiiiiiiiiiii.

S7

Leant to lead by completing Tbastmastera'

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program follows Tbaststmasters proven three-part learning ■
process ofstudy, action and feedback.
'ith this hands-on, skill-building program you conduct a project of your choice in wKicb you serve as a leader.
Reflecting your own goals, the project may be affiliated with your participation at Club, Area, Division,
District, business or community level. The High Performance Leadership manual walks you through the project's
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Providing help through each phase is a Guidance Committee- people you select to counsel you and evaluate
vour work.

THE LEADERSHIP EXCELLENCE AWARD

Your efforts will be recognized! After you complete the manual and submit an application,Toastmasters
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Tha Toastmastsr • Fabruary 2002 11

 LEADERSHIP
By Craig Harrison. DTM

Do you know the power you

possess from the platform?

Speakers
l eaders
I often hear Toastmasters bifurcate between our two inclusive language and an inviting message. You don't
tracks: "Are you on the Communication or Leadership yell at your listeners, but you do pique their curiosity,
track?" They presume it's an either/or situation: You're appeal to their interests, and let them find where they fit
either a speaker or a leader. And then it hit me - speakers into your speech. As a result, your audience "buys into"
are leaders. Speakers lead their audiences to new points of your message. As Toastmasters, we don't enlist them
view, new understanding and many times to action, just through sign-up sheets, pledge cards and oaths. We do it
like leaders do. more subtly: through our persuasiveness, our style and our
Yet I wonder, how many speakers view themselves as genuine delivery. Thus we turn listeners into followers and
leaders? Do they know the power they possess from the supporters of our cause. We build understanding and
platform? Do they see how they articulate their visions, agreement with our audiences through our speeches.
enlist the support of others, walk their talk and transform
an assortment of individuals in an audience into a cohe ■ Leaders walk their talk. Speakers do too. Those speak
sive corps of followers of their point of view? ers who are most successful are those who "live" their
Once we as speakers realize we're acting as leaders, we messages. They embody the ideals they espouse. There's a
can actually apply leadership lessons to help us become consistency between the message they articulate and
more effective speakers. Leaders start with a vision. So do their own belief system. When you ask your audience to
speakers! What is the vision for your speech? Can you care, are you caring for them? When you implore your lis
answer this question for yourself? With your vision in teners to action, are you leading the way? Audiences look
place, work backward from your vision to decide how to for congruency and notice inconsistencies, so make sure
advance it. How will you share your speech's vision with your actions, behavior and demeanor match that which
your audience? When the vision is clear in your own you are trying to encourage. This is how integrity is
mind, you can begin to share it with others. derived and credibility is earned. Remember, people will
For example, suppose you want to give a speech on the "do as you do" far more than they will "do as you say."
importance of parks in your city's downtown areas. Work As a speaker/leader, you must model the way.
backward from your vision and figure out how best to
advance it. See yourself convincing your audience of all ■ Leaders put their people first. Speakers should too.
the reasons having downtown parks benefits them. Leaders and speakers are there to represent the needs,
My vision for this article: To help readers Identify that desires and ambitions of their audiences. By putting their
speakers are leaders, and show them how to use leader followers first, leaders are responsible for and gain the
ship tenets to help them be more impactful speakers! allegiance of their people. Speakers should do the same
with their audiences. Speaking is about serving the needs
■ Leaders enlist the support of others. So do speakers. of one's audience. By knowing your audience you show
When you give a speech and articulate your vision, you them respect for their time and interests, and you also
are recruiting followers. You do it in different ways: can best serve their needs. True leaders know their cause
through eye contact, direct and rhetorical questions. isn't about them, but about those they represent. Are you

12 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

 /
7

audience-centered? If not, why not? Without your audi

ence you are just talking to yourself. By putting your
audience first and striving to serve their needs, yours will
naturally be taken care of as well. The opposite cannot be
said. Put yourself in your audience's shoes as you create
and prepare your next speech.

■ Leaders leverage their resources. Speakers should too.

As a speaker at the club, contest or professional level, you
have resources to apply as well. Coordinate with your
Toastmaster or emcee prior to your presentation to gather
information to help you succeed. Learn as much as you can
about the day's program, the environment you will be
speaking in, and who precedes and proceeds you. Who will
introduce you? Use the introducer to establish your credi
bility and prepare listeners for your message.

■ Leaders know their followers. Speakers should too.

Who is in your audience? Are they subject-matter experts?
How do they best like to learn? Are they visual learners,
k
kinesthetic or predominantly aural in learning style? Can
you marshal their support? How will you do it? Will you
appeal to their intellect or politics? Will you demonstrate
an understanding of their preferences? Plan to include
your audience members in your speech either through
your remarks, planned interactivity, or questions and
answers. They will naturally ask themselves "what's in it
for me?" Help them answer that question for themselves!

■ Leaders lead. As a speaker, you should too! 1 can't tell

you how many speeches I've heard where the speaker was
well-prepared, well-groomed and well-spoken. The only
problem: The speaker forgot to lead. It's funny, we go to
all the trouble of stating our case, presenting our audi
ence with a weil-reasoned piece of thought, and then
politely sit down. Don't forget to lead.
terms what they think and what they expect. You, as a
What is the purpose of your speech? Remember the speaker and leader, should do likewise.
vision? Having laid the groundwork for a successful Presidents and politicians aren't the only ones who
speech, don't forget to leverage your leadership by the can combine being a leader and a speaker. As Toastmas-
speech's end. Now that you've demonstrated your knowl ters, we too are both speakers and leaders. The first step is
edge, educated your audience and presented compelling to recognize our dual natures and embrace the leadership
documentation for your thesis, what should your audi mantle. Speakers, it's your lead! O
ence do with all that information? Let them know! They
are awaiting your lead. Is there a call to action? If so, state Craig Harrison. DIM. is a professional speaker and a member
it, in no uncertain terms. Audiences want to be ied - they of Pro-Toasties Club 7146-4 in Redwood Shores, California.
also need to be led. Don't assume your eloquence alone Craig mentors speakers at ail levels of Toastmasters to
will carry the day. Leaders close strongly. They remove embrace their leadership potential. Contact him by visit
ambiguity and uncertainty. They state in unmistakable ing www.craigspeaks.com.

The Toastmaster • February 2002 13

 CAM WE TALK?
By Jim Carmickle, ATM

Find out If you are a TM, a Tm or a tm.

Are v,„, m'SlMASTEIfl

Of course you're a Toastmaster! After all, you've paid
your dues, you read this magazine, you're on the club's
■ If you are the General Evaluator, have you prepared
ahead of time? Do you know the names of the evaluators
schedule making speeches and working toward one and who they are evaluating? Do your notes include your
level of achievement or another, and you attend (most of) duties, who is assigned as Grammarian, and instructions
the meetings. That makes you a Toastmaster, right? Well, for the Timer? If so, TM.
yes. But...the question I pose is, are you a TOASTMASTER If not, but you manage to handle it smoothly, based on
(TM), a Toastmaster (Tm) or a toastmaster (tm)? your past experiences in your club: Tm.
If you fumble, neglect to give the proper instructions
■ Do you arrive several minutes early to choose your seat, or have to ask the audience who is evaluating whom,con
get socializing out of the way before the meeting starts, sider yourself a tm.
enthusiastically welcome guests, and provide the appro
priate people with the information they need? TM. ■ As Table Topicsmaster, have you prepared your Table
Do you arrive just in time for the start of the meeting, Topics in advance, made the appropriate notes and
do a little socializing as the meeting starts and nod at the explained the purpose of Table Topics to guests? Do you
new guest? Tm. give the proper instructions and conduct Table Topics in
Do you sometimes come late, interrupt the business a professional manner? TM.
meeting or cause concern for the General Evaluator when Did you come up with your Table Topics theme on the
you are scheduled to be an evaluator, for example, and way to the meeting and manage to preside over Table
ignore the guest? tm. Topics with only a few omissions or errors? Tm.
Did you have to rely on the Table Topics card file at the
■ Are you wearing your Toastmasters badge? Do you have meeting, call on a scheduled speaker to participate, forget to
a pen, paper (in case you need it), and a copy of the sched instruct the Timer, or run over your time allotment? tm.
ule? TM or Tm.
No badge, have to borrow a pen or pencil, don't have a ■ As a speaker, did you thoughtfully prepare your
clue about the schedule? tm. speech, write it out, practice it numerous times, and
experiment with various techniques such as gestures,
■ If you're an evaluator, have you reviewed the instruc voice variety and eye contact? Do you always give man
tions for presenting a good evaluation in the last week? ual speeches, check your visual aids ahead of time, pro
Do you try to give supportive, truthful, helpful evalua vide the Toastmaster of the Day with pertinent data
tions? TM. about the number, timing, title and objectives of the
Do you consider yourself knowledgeable in the area of speech? TM.
evaluations and concentrate on your opinion of the Did you just make an outline, run through the speech
speech you are to evaluate? Tm. a couple of times in your head, opt not to use any visual
Do you "wing it" every time you have to evaluate a aids, and forget to notify the Toastmaster about the title
speech, letting the chips fall as they may? tm. and time of your speech until asked? Tm.

14 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

 Do you make up your speeches at the last second, stick that arise? Do you arrive late for the meeting and come
with your own speaking style without attempting to unprepared? tm.
expand your abilities, give non-manual speeches, disre
gard time restrictions, and notify the Toastmaster of your ■ There is more to being a Toastmaster than giving
speech title at the last minute? tm. speeches, evaluations or Table Topics. It's called leader
ship. All officers should attend all meetings. The presi
■ As Toastmaster of the Day, do you contact all meeting dent should arrive early, have an agenda and be prepared
participants a few days ahead of time? Do you try to devel to conduct the business portion of the meeting. The sec
op a program theme, prepare your notes and use them dur retary must be at every meeting, taking proper notes and
ing the meeting? Do you try to head off problems(such as reporting on the conduct of the club. The treasurer must
a missing participant) ahead of time, arrive earlier than collect and disburse monies, etc. If the officers take these
usual to coordinate the participants within the meeting, responsibilities seriously, they are TMs.
and explain the purpose of Toastmasters to guests? Do you If they do their jobs as well as they can, but don't put
keep things moving according to the meeting schedule forth that extra effort required to make a significant con
and do your best to make the program successful? TM. tribution to the club; Tms.
Do you call participants the night before the meeting, arrive If a member never accepts the responsibilities of being
on time, and simply try to keep things going smoothly? Tm. an officer: tm.
Do you consider the participants responsible for their
own parts of the program and fill in around any problems Here are some other distinctions:

AriRJKLiri;s rOA.STM.ASTKk Toiistiiuistcr tcuistinaslcr

Attendance Always Most of the time Sometimes

Attentive Pays attention Sometimes talking Usually talking

Dues Pays early Pays on time Late paying

Contribution Working for club Working for self Doing no more

than necessary

Progress Working on next level Taking it one at a time Not interested in progress

Name Tags Always worn Sometimes worn Doesn't have one

Improvement Actively seeks ways Offers suggestions Satisfied with the

to improve the club if requested way things are

As this analysis shows, some drastic and some subtle give the necessary time and effort to improve our clubs -
qualities make the difference between a TM,Tm and tm. and ourselves.
The early part of a new year is a good time for all of us Sure, we all belong to Toastmasters, but let's all aim to
to examine ourselves and determine whether we're become TOASTMASTERS! O
TOASTMASTERS, Toastmasters or toastmasters. It's time
to resolve to try a little harder, stretch our comfort zones
a little farther and accept the leadership challenge to Jim Carmickle. ATM. is a writer living in Red Bluff, California.

The Toastmaster • February 2002 13

 K Lf n V N !• VV I. i. I . - I 1 (i N I . R I. I.' S 1 R A i 1 ()\ 1) V \ A M I (. c, R A i' n I c; S

Without Losing Vburself

t all started five years ago, when I was looking for a way to
enhance an orientation for the Recreation Facility Design
and Management School Recreation is my niche market,
and every summer more than 100 decision-makers would come 'is^

to Colorado from around the world to visit our state-of-the-art

recreation facilities. We would tour 16 sites in four days, and I
was in charge of the orientation.
\
We had a lot to cover and not much time, so I decid valuable as a tool
ed to design a multimedia presentation using Microsoft to enhance - not replace
PowerPoint. This was my big chance to demonstrate my presentations. Peopl don
expertise in the market, while exhibiting my skills as a come to hear you
presenter. It was the first time 1 had used multimedia speak because of
when speaking. 1 had never used PowerPoint, 1 borrowed a multimedia slide
a laptop, persuaded a local company to let me "show show; they come
case" its LCD (liquid crystal display) projector, and creat to hear what you
ed my presentation - all in seven days. have to say.
Since then I've presented more than 750 programs It is important
using PowerPoint, and I'd like to share some tips to help to touch all the
you incorporate multimedia in your presentations. One participants' sens
note before we start: 1 always use Microsoft PowerPoint, es, appeal to each
because I am familiar with it. But many other programs of the different
work well, such as Harvard Graphics, Astound and learning styles, en
Macromedia Flash. Choose the technology you are com tertain the audience,
fortable with and make it work for you. present a clear message in a unique
Learn from experience. Give yourself time to learn to format, and maintain a fast pace. Using PowerPoint as a sup
use the software and hardware you choose. Take a class port tool, you can do all those things. You can also change
in PowerPoint, or the software of your choice, so you delivery methods every 20 minutes to keep your audi
won't have to learn every lesson by trial and error. ence's attention. For example, you can tell stories, empha
Taking time to learn and practice is essential to success. size a specific point, display a list, show a graph, or use
Although I learned many valuable lessons that first week, movie clips, sound clips or music files. All these modalities
the learning curve doesn't have to be that painful. enhance learning. Keep it lively and support your message.

USE TECHNOLOGY TO SUPPORl NOT OVERTAKE,YOUR PRESENWIONS. BE INNOVATIVE WITHOUT CREATING DISTRACTIONS.
In the beginning, 1 thought it was all about making my Early on, 1 used every bell and whistle available with the
slide show "the thing." Now 1 know that PowerPoint is software. The audience was impressed with the multimedia

16 The Toastmaster • February 2002

 "People don't come to hear you speak because ofa multimedia
slide show; they come to hear what you have to say."

pants are given an assignment or a writing task, play

what I call "thinking music." The music is imbedded
into a PowerPoint slide, like a piece of clip art, so when
you're ready to continue, you can just move to the
next slide.
Adding a game is another idea that works.
With the increased popularity of "Who Wants
O N to Be a Millionaire?" game shows are back in the
r ^ \ limelight. You can use a computer and an LCD
r projector to create a game to review informa-
f tion. A great resource for this is www.leamingware.
com. On that Web site, you will find "Jeopardy"-
style games like Gameshow Pro 3, and "Is that
your Final Answer?" game shows, which
engage students in the material and promote
a fun learning environment. Games can
i provide a powerful and successful
method to reinforce learning.
My latest multimedia addition
kicks off my programs. 1 designed a
movie that shows digital pictures of
all the places I've visited around the
world. This production was inspired
by David Zach, prominent speaker
and futurist, whom 1 had read
about. He believes one of the
secrets to his success on the plat
form is a QuickTime movie creat
ed especially for him by students at
a local design school. It plays before
he speaks to reinforce his message.
The U.S. military unveiled a phe
nomenal on-screen energizer last year
at a big training program for the Morale,
Welfare and Recreation Division. Before
but didn't hear the program, event organizers took
what I had to say. "Mesmerizing" digital pictures of the 200 individuals who
transitions - the effect between slides - and builds - the attended the training. As participants entered the
way in which the words appear on the slide - can dis auditorium, a multimedia show featuring each of the
tract the audience. So choose one style of build and one attendees was running. Everyone watched to see his or
style of transition so your audience will pay attention to her picture as it came up! The slideshow was created
what you say, not the coolness of your presentation. using PhotoParade Maker by the Callisto Corporation
Once you've mastered your software program's basics, (www.photoparade.com). This creative software pro
you can incorporate multimedia features to further vides us with an effortless way to turn digital photos
enhance your presentation. For example, when partici into entertaining slideshows.

The Toastmaster • February 2002 17

 As a caution, whatever presentation software you tographs, video clips and textures. This tool will help
choose, don't overdo the enhancements. Sound effects, you spend more time delivering powerful presentations
movies and graphics must support the message, not dis rather than creating them.
tract from it. Speaking of distractions, a remote mouse
makes it easy to advance slides without having to go to ADD VALUE TO WHAT YOU OFFER YOUR CLIENTS.
your laptop. After using an infrared mouse for five years, When asked to present at a conference, offer to do other
1 am now experimenting with a radio-frequency mouse pieces in addition to keynote or breakout session respon
that allows me to move freely around the room. sibilities. You can design a template for an awards slide
show, for example, and simply copy the award names and
BE UNIQUE. the winners' names from an e-mail into the slide show
Most PowerPoint presenters choose the stock back template. Your extra effort will give you one more oppor
grounds. But what many speakers don't know is that you tunity to help the meeting planner shine, and clients will
can have a design firm create backgrounds that are appreciate your having added to their awards night.
unique to you. Or you can personalize your slide show
by, for instance, adding the client's logo to the master ADD A FINISHING TOUCH TO YOUR PRESENTATION.
slide and using it throughout the presentation - in the At the end of the presentation, you can display a "finisher"
client's colors. Make sure the words are easy for the audi slide with a request to visit your Web site or an invitation to
ence to read against the background. attend your next session at a conference. You've all probably
Another great resource for backgrounds is www. seen presenters accidentaUy advance beyond the final slide
digitaljuice.com. Its premier software. Digital Juice, and display their desktops to the audience. This is like seeing
includes a collection of 50,000 high-quality color graph how a magic trick is done. It's takes all the fun out of it! The
ics and animated moving backgrounds along with pho- "finisher" slide is a visual cue to keep this from happening.

I Hi :iv;.."iT'" —r^r^'"''-r-'°fTTiTTrrfiin

ere are additional resources that are both PC and For Unique Backgrounds, Graphic Images,
H Mac friendly: Video and Animation:

www.DigitalJuice.com
For Training www.animfactory.com
www.learn2.com www.8yewire.com
www.WindowsAcademy.com
www.MacAcademy.com
For 3D Animation
To Select a Projector www.rab-byle.com
www.ProjectorCentral.com www.presentationpro.com

For Software

www.photoparade.com For Slide Backgrounds:

www.qulcktime.com wvAv.powerbacks.com
www.learningware.com wvw.presentationpro.com

For Presentation Tools

www.presentations.com
For Royalty-Free Video Clips:
www.fourpalms.com
For Sound Libraries
www.videometry.com
www.dailywav.com www.dgusa.com
www.soundamerica.com www.theperfectshot.com
www.cybereyes.com
For Royalty-Free Music www.quickfoolage.com
\www.musicbakery.com www.stockmotion.com
www.freshmusic.com www.artbeats.com
www.uniquetracks.com www.triangleimages.com
www.iamusic.com www.flixdisc.com
www.Music2Hues.com AOL Keyword - Multimedia

18 The Toastmaster • February 2002

 By George TorolcCTM

on Pposenting with Computer Projection

1 Stand on the left side as the audience sees exact color is important (i.e. for a logo), test and adjust it
you. Because people read from left to right, your ahead of time.
standing left of the screen will enable the audience to look
at you, follow your gestures to the screen, and then return 6Keep it simple. Use no more than six colors on a
their eyes to you, If you stood on the right side, their eyes slide. Use slide transitions and builds to entertain
would have to make too many movements to read your without detracting from your message. Effects like partial
. slides and watch you. build reveal one point at a time, allowing your audience
to stay right with you.
2You are the show. Be heard and be seen. Stand
away from the computer and in the light. Use a 7Motion attracts their eyes. Gesture to the
'I remote mouse to get away from the computer. Too many screen when you want them to look there. Use moving
people hide in the dark behind the laptop. Arrange the text to grab attention. Stand still while you want them to
plighting in the room so you are in the light while the look at the screen. Move to capture their attention again.
"screen is dark. You may need to unscrew some of the
light bulbs. 8Test your slides for size and readability by
standing six feet away from your desktop computer
3Turn off all screen savers on your computer - monitor, if you can read the monitor, your audience will
any that are part of the Windows software - plus the likely be able to read the slides on the screen.
one that comes with the laptop. It is embarrassing for you
to be talking about important points on the screen while 9Arrive early and test everything. Reread this
your audience is staring at flying toasters. It is even worse tine - again!
; when your energy saver kicks in and shuts it all down.
iJ|^ Murphy loves technology. Be prepared with
4Learn how to use the switch that turns on both m\0 backup files, a power souroe for the laptop and
screens. Often this is a function key. This toggle con projector, and batteries for your remote mouse. One little
trols whether your laptop or projector - or both -are on. You thing might go wrong - be ready to give your presenta
want both on so you can look at the laptop while the audi- tion without the hardware. If it is really important, have a
• ence watches the same image behind you on the screen. backup system. O
5Colors appear differently on the screenj the George Torok, CTM, is a member of Skyway Club 3301-60
laptop and the desktop where you designed it. if the in Burlington, Ontario, Canada.

MAKE YOUR SLIDE SHOW FLEXIBLE BY CREATING A CHEAT SHEET. Don't get excited; I don't use them all. As I read the audi
Speakers sometimes complain that PowerPoint is inflexi ence and see that some additional information would be
ble. Here's how you can overcome that obstacle: Create a useful, I can go immediately to the appropriate slide.
one-page cheat sheet that lists the slide number and a Likewise, if the audience is really into a particular topic,
one- or two-word description of what is on each slide. To I can add another activity to bring home the message I
change the order of your slides, glance at your cheat need. The flexibility is at my fingertips. o
sheet, type in the slide number of where you want to go,
and press "return." That command changes the slide on
the screen to the one you typed in, allowing you to Ruby Newell-Legner is a speaker, trainer and author spe
move easily in your presentation. It is especially helpful cializing in team-building and customer satisfaction liv
when at the last minute the time allotted for your pre ing in Littleton, Colorado. She can be reached at www.
sentation is cut. RubySpeaks.com. This article appeared in the October
Cheat sheets also allow you to add information to a 2001 issue of Professional Speaker magazine and was
program. It is not uncommon for me to prepare a slide reprinted with permission from the National Speakers
show of 150-200 slides for a three- to four-hour program. Association.

The Toastmaster ■ February 2002 19

 TECH TALK
BJ By Rob Sherman

How to stand out from

the competition.

Bringing Technical
Presentations, „
Ai
n actuary representing one of the world's largest com
panies once began a presentation to key decision-
imakers with an apology: "I've been up most of the
to lite
night trying to get out of airports. I'm sorry if I seem a lit Rather trite, don't you think? Instead, start with a bang
tle tired." not a whimper. Give them a startling statistic, an "in-
It is no small wonder that it was downhill from there. your-face" statement, an interesting quote, a news head
He had no enthusiasm and a monotone voice. His already line - something powerful that will get their attention
defeated eyes were glued to his paper and his PowerPoint immediately.
presentation. Never apologize. If you are tired, unhappy, depressed,
After the presentation, 1 decided to see if the presenter worried or upset, your audience probably won't know it
would welcome some unsolicited suggestions. To my sur unless you draw attention to it.
prise, not only did he welcome the review, but he came
alive when we talked one-on-one. This seemingly boring ■ BE YOURSELF. Many technical presenters are intro
presenter had a wonderfully dry sense of humor. In fact, he verts and attempt to avoid public speaking because they
knew all along that his presentation would be dry and think they need to alter their "normal" speaking voice.
uninspiring. So where was this wry personality on the plat While it is true that a quiet person must raise his or her
form? "I'm an actuary," he said when I asked him about this voice when speaking to an audience, you do not have to
obvious divergence. "That's what they expect of me." greatly alter your normal speaking voice on the platform.
For once, 1 was speechless. How could someone with In fact, to attempt a wholesale conversion of your per
such an inviting personality make a conscious choice to sona while speaking is a serious mistake. You cannot con
hide that warmth from his audience? How could some nect with an audience without authenticity. Authenticity
one honestly believe that the audience expected him to is lost when you aren't yourself on the platform. So speak
bury his head in his notes and slides? conversationally. Allow your dry wit to come through if
The fact is that many technical speakers believe that the that is truly who you are. Be yourself.
uninspiring presentation model is the only "correct" model
for a technical presentation. 1 know one major company ■ NETWORK WITH YOUR AUDIENCE BEFORE THE PRO
that perpetuates this myth by requiring all speakers to stand GRAM. Take advantage of the time before your presenta
behind the lectern and not stray from the written word. tion to mingle with your audience. Make it a point to
There are enormous opportunities for those who disre "work the room" - don't arrive two minutes before your
gard this model and choose to use simple speaking tools speech and leave immediately after it. Your audience
to make their presentations enjoyable and a positive learn wants to meet you. Give them this opportunity.
ing experience for their audience. If you too want to
stand out from the rest of the technical presenters, here ■ USE RELAXATION TECHNIQUES BEFORE SAYING A
are a few ideas to get you started: WORD. Every speaker experiences some anxiety before
speaking. Use the time before your presentation to relax.
■ START STRONG. Many speakers begin with a polite, Breathe deeply from your diaphragm for two minutes.
"Thank you very much for that kind introduction." Simple exercises such as shrugging your shoulders or tens-

20 The Toastmester ■ February 2002

 TO

^4

I
r^~-

%
nc
"B
%57
f
I
ing/relaxing your muscles are helpful. Listening to music in your subject matter. Speak with passion and you will
the car helps relieve pressure. Do whatever it takes to inspire others.
relieve some of the anxiety that accompanies every speech.
■ DON'T END WITH QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS.
■ USE A "KEYWORD" OUTLINE TO MAKE YOUR PRE Most technical presentations end with a question and
SENTATION. It has been said that the last time someone answer session. Instead, tell the audience that you will
read to you it was your mother and she was trying to get take questions and then say, "We will move to our clos
you to sleep. Instead of reading, use a "keyword" outline. ing point." After the Q&A, tell a story that ties in to your
These keywords will prompt complete thoughts as you main theme. Or summarize the points made during the
speak. Look down at the keyword, look into the eyes of presentation. Conclude with a quote or call to action.
the audience - and then speak. Whatever you end with, make it memorable.

■ USE YOUR OWN STORIES TO ILLUSTRATE A POINT. Many technical presenters believe that speaking before
You have many stories you could use from your experi groups does not take any special training or skill devel
ences to illustrate points. Most technical speakers fail to opment. Nothing could be further from the truth.
relate personal stories. You may not realize it, but your Effective speakers learn how to present in the same way
audience wants to connect with you. They can connect they learn the tools needed to develop their own techni
more easily if you tell your own stories - real life experi cal skills. Speaking is like any learned skill: It takes time
ences that illustrate points. And if you don't think you and practice.
have any interesting personal stories to tell, you aren't Every speaking opportunity is an opportunity to move
looking hard enough. They are there for the telling. others to action. You can accomplish more in a 60-minute
presentation to the right group of decision-makers than you
■ HND PASSION IN YOUR TOPIC. This may seem diffi can sitting behind your desk for a year. Take advantage of
cult for a technical presentation, but when I've talked this opportunity by learning the skills needed to make excit
with technical presenters privately, I could feel their pas ing technical presentations. You'll see the difference on the
sion for their topics - off the platform. faces of your audience - and on your bottom line. ^
You want your audience to do something as a result of
your presentation. Whatever you want them to do, there Rob Sherman, an attorney and speaker, is the author of
is a better chance they will do it if you show that you are Sherman's 21 Laws of Speaking: How to Inspire Others to
passionate about your subject. An added benefit is that Action (Cedar Creek Press). You can reach him via e-mail
your fears will dissipate when you are truly excited about at [email protected]

The Toastmaster • February 2002 21

 HOW TO
By Karl Walinskas. ATM

The more technology we introduce

to help us communicate, the
less we actually communicate.

Leaving
Voice Mail „
Messages that Get Iceturned
(recently picked up a wireless communicator, or is it a
cellular phone? Maybe the better term is mobile phone
we need to learn to leave messages that get returned. Here
are my top seven tips on how to leave a message that
these days. It's the first one I've owned. Stop laughing! demands a response:
Just because I tell you about communications doesn't
mean I have to use all the accoutrements of the trade. ■ Be brief and to the point. Don't begin your voice mail
Einstein never used a Palm Pilot! with small talk, jokes or other needless words. Remember
So as I'm sitting in a four-hour delay at the Pittsburgh the fellow at the airport? Your message may be one of
Airport, gate A-4, I look up and see a weird sight. About many, so he may be tired of listening when he gets to
70 percent of the people in my field of vision have a sim yours. Get right down to business. Identify yourself and
ilar device stuck to the side of their heads, talking into it, the purpose of your call.
listening, nodding. It's surreal. One dude sits next to me Bad: "Hey, Charlie! It's me. Got a great one for you.
and is listening intently without speaking. Every now Did you hear the one about..."
and then he reaches up and touches a button on the Better: "Hi Charlie. This is Karl Walinskas, calling
phone, then listens some more. After five minutes, he about our meeting in Tuscaloosa."
finishes and my curiosity takes over. "So, who were you
talking to?" 1 inquire. ■ Put the call into context. Say something immediately
Politely, although looking at me as if I were a nine- after your greeting that puts you and your importance in
headed Hydra who had just fallen off the turnip truck, he the listener's mind. She may not remember you if you met
replies, "I wasn't talking to anyone - just checking my just once or twice, so give her a reference. The listener is
voice mail." always thinking, "Who the heck are you and why should
"Lots of messages, huh," comes my witty retort. 1 return your call?" If they asked for the call, say so.
"About 10. I'll probably return two of them." Bad: "Hello Ms. Watson. I'm calling today to let you
One of those cartoon dialogue balloons - that means 1 know of our great new line of..."
was thinking - appears over my head with "A-HA!" in all Better: "Hi Ms. Watson. This is Karl Walinskas. We met
caps: A communications challenge on the horizon. last Tuesday at the Internet trade show in Chicago
You see, folks, the more technology we introduce to at my company's booth, The Speaking Connec
help us communicate, the less we actually communicate. tion. I'm following up on your request..."
The businessman at the airline terminal will return only
20 percent of his messages. Have you ever felt like part of ■ Give the listener a reason to reply. What does the call
the 80 percent sent to digital purgatory? Voice mail has recipient get if he gets back to you? Pleasant conversation
taken over auditory communications technology, so if we or a compelling offer that makes him want to call you back?
want to avoid endless frustration and productivity loss. Provide the listener with an answer to that question.

22 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

 Bad: "I'd like you to call me back so we cat: discuss..." Bad: "Call me back so we can discuss the Warren
Better: "I'm holding the cruise dates for 24 hours until account."
I hear from you. Call me by tomorrow to book Better: "I need your approval on the final contract to
your vacation, or to plan something else." propose to Mr. Warren for the half-million dol
lar widget order."
■ Time stamp the message. Most voice mail systems
have automatic time stamps, but don't rely on them. I ■ Explain the consequences of not calling back. This is
never listen to them because the electronic voice is a great call-return-getter that most people don't use.
annoying and many answering machines don't have a Think of the cruise example earlier, with the implied con
time stamp. Let the person know the day and time you sequence of losing the trip reservation unless a return call
called, and more important, when she can call you back. is made. If you can, be explicit.
Provide a window for the return call that is accurate but Bad: "Honey, call me back about the groceries you
not too restrictive. wanted me to pick up."
Bad: "We need to talk about the medical account. Better: "Honey, call me back to let me know if you
Call me anytime to disaiss." wanted skim milk or whole milk. IfI don't hear
Better: "I'm calling on Thursday around 3 p.m. I can be from you, I'll assume you found other nourish
reached in my office tomorrow from 10 to 1 in the ment and no longer wish me to pick up gro
afremoon at 555-1212. Please call to discuss." ceries. Bye-bye!"

■ Let the listener know how to reach you. Simple, You can use these seven techniques immediately to
right? Give the listener a phone number for a return call dramatically improve your rate of callbacks when you
and an alternate like an e-mail address or mobile phone leave voice mail. You're enabling the recipient with
number where you can always be reached. enough detail and reasons so that calling you back just
Bad: "Call me back so we can get to it." makes good sense. If you choose not to use these
Better: "I can be reached at 555-1212 from 3-5 today, methods, I'll assume that you do not wish to have your
or at my mobile number of555-2121 anytime. messages returned. ^
You can also get me through e-mail at karl&
speakingcoinwction.com. I check my e-mail regidariy."

■ Provide Instructions. Tell the listener exactly what you Karl Walinskas. ATM. a member of Greater Wyoming Club
want - and need - him to do. For business calls, discus 9700-38 in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, is a professional
sion isn't good enough. The "1 need" phrase is one of the speaker and freelance writer. Karl can be reached at
most powerful in the English language, so use it. [email protected].

Thks new nunilxr directs callers to an "auiontated anendant."

VlTorld with a list of options - including a department directory and
Headqwarters a dial-by-name directory.(Or if you know your party's extension,
you can dial it and contact the person directly.)

fiow bus ihe VBlci mill sjitem Is available

The original number,(949)858-TALK (8255), is .still functional

and answered by the a receptionist during normal business
hours, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. PST.

During off hours, the voicemail system will forward calls to the
"automated attendant." Callers then have the option to leave a
message for a specific individual or department, or they can
leave a message in a general vcjice mailbox that will be for
warded to the appropriate person the following business da\-

The Toastmaster - February 2002 23

 N E I L E , A I M - S 1 L ^ i K A i i O N

0 you've outlined your speech with a New Orleans. But you may want to use their hectic
lifestyle as a jumping-off point for your speech. 1 once
beginning, middle and end. You've
heard a speaker who was so clueless about his audience
planned your delivery down to the that he spent two hours telling us what we already
knew. One question - "Do you live in this neighbor
last little gesture. You're ready to
hood?" - would have caused him to completely revamp
knock their socks off! Or are you? his talk. Instead, we were bored and angry, and many of
us did not return to the follow-up session.
Sadly, many people who put tremendous effort into In case you don't know in advance exactly what sort
their speeches and personal image overlook what is of a group you're speaking to, the person who invited
often referred to as the third point of the communica you should be able to help. But if you can't learn much
tions triangle: the audience. Yet from Aristotle to Oprah, about your audience before your speech, you can always
great speakers have known that audience dynamics can ask a few questions at the outset to orient yourself.
be the key to success on the podium. Depending on the responses, you may find yourself
Think about it: An audience member is a lot like the doing some spur-of-the-moment revisions. One note of
person you're speaking to in a one-on-one conversation. caution, however: Don't be surprised if people don't live
How would your friend feel if you were so intent on up to stereotypes.
what you had to say and how you said it that you over
looked her needs and interests? Chances are you 2Discover audience attitudes. According to A Speaker's
wouldn't have many more opportunities to find out! Guidebook by O'Hair, Stewart and Rubinstein (Bedford/
Shakespeare's Hamlet said, "The play's the thing!" But St. Martin's 2001); "With any speech, it's important to
in fact, it was the play's effect on his audience that most try to uncover the audience's attitudes, beliefs and val
concerned him. Here are some easy, useful ways to help ues - or, for brevity's sake, feelings - toward (1) the topic
ensure that your speech and your listeners are a good fit: of your speech;(2) you as the speaker; and (3) the speech
occasion."
1Research your group. The Toastmasters manuals tell
us that knowing the audience is crucial to the success Even if you know your listeners' background, you
of a speech. Speakers are encouraged to greet audience may not know how it affects their thinking. Or your
members on their arrival, because it's "easier to speak to audience may be too diverse for you to form any overall
a group of friends than to a group of strangers." conclusions. But you can always gather invaluable infor
Knowing your audience is important for many rea mation about public opinion in general. Harper's maga
sons. The more information you have about your listen zine, for example, regularly runs "Harper's Index,"
ers, the more you know about their interests and ideas. which contains interesting statistics. USA Today prints
That means you can tailor your presentation according poll results daily. Web sites that provide useful audience
ly, making you a more persuasive and effective speaker. analysis include:
In his work on rhetoric, the Greek philosopher
Aristotle emphasized the value of audience demograph ■ American Demographics: www.demographics.com
ics. These may include the age, cultural and professional ■ Gallup Organization: www.gallup.com
background, gender, education and lifestyle choices of ■ Maritz Ameripoll: www.maritz.com
the people in the room. ■ The Polling Report: www.pollingreport.com
Expecting a group of soccer moms? They may not be ■ Roper Center for Public Opinion Research: www.lib.
particularly interested in your story about barhopping in uconn.edu/RoperCenter

24
fludiencrB
The Toastmaster • February 2002
 > :!SV

r
*
«w
:iri|M»
»«M»

Ensure that your speech and rts

intended listeners are a good fit

F-

Ih« TQaitmsitir Ftkf^ary 2 9 0 2 2S

 As in the first example, data from these sources will wish to emphasize, however. For example, a group of sci
help you determine only what your audience is likely to entists may be swayed more by rational arguments,
believe. But that's a lot more helpful than no data at ail. while ethical arguments may appeal more to members of
Once you have the information you need, O'Hair, the clergy. If you're not sure which proof to emphasize,
Stewart and Rubinstein offer the following advice for tai visit the Web sites listed in example number 2.
loring a speech to an audience's knowledge and attitudes:
5Practice good eye contact. Most Toastmasters know
■ If listeners know relatively little about the topic, stick that one of the most basic speaking skills is eye con
to the basics and include background information. tact. But do we take it seriously enough? Good eye con
■ If the topic is new to them, first show how it's rele tact means that we are relating to an individual, not sim
vant to their lives, and then relate it to issues and ply to our material.
ideas they are already familiar with. How do you react when a speaker looks directly at you
■ If their attitudes about the topic are different from for a few seconds? Chances are, it makes you feel that you
yours, relate your points to their attitudes and beliefs. matter to him or her, which in turn may help make you
Seek common ground based on universal values and more kindly disposed toward the presenter's message.
an appreciation for diversity. Some speakers make figure eights around the room
■ If they are negatively disposed to your topic, give with their eyes, focusing on each person for several sec
them plenty of good reasons to change their attitudes. onds. Others follow each row with their eyes. However
you choose to do it, be sure you get to everyone. The
3Communicate in three ways, part I. Educational secret of great eye contact is to really stop and look at
psychology tells us that people learn in three major each person, rather than to simply scan faces. It takes a
ways: through hearing, sight and hands-on participa little practice, but it's amazingly effective.
tion. You may wish to appeal to the varied learning
styles of your audience by incorporating these three 6Let the people speak. Many speakers ask an opening
styles in your speech. If appropriate, illustrate your spo question to the audience, such as,"How many of you
ken words with a visual aid, such as a flip chart or prop. have ever been to the circus?" That's a good starting
And when possible, try to ask a person or two from the place for audience interaction, but it's not the whole pic
audience - preferably someone who looks a little puzzled ture. First, it's nice to acknowledge the responses to your
- to participate in an activity. question. Again, as in one-on-one conversation, people
Not long ago, 1 saw a Toastmaster give a speech on like to feel listened to. You might count the raised
making easy desserts. First she spoke on the subject. Then hands, or reply with something like, "Then you're going
she displayed some ingredients and equipment she'd to relate to this story," or "Then you know how scary it
brought along. Finally, she asked for a volunteer to make is to watch the acrobats on the trapeze."
a cherry pie. The speech was not only successful, it was What's more, in the course of your speech, you may
delicious. And guess who got to eat the pie after it was wish to call on one or two people, by name if possible,
made? Now that's what I call audience participation! either to ask them a specific question (preferably one
that doesn't put them on the spot!) or to inquire if
4Communicate in three ways, part II. Because we all they're following you. Or, you might ask the audience,
are different, we respond not only to different styles verbally or with hand gestures, to join in on a word or
of communication, but also to different kinds of infor phrase you repeat throughout your speech. Ed Tate, the
mation. This brings us back to Aristotle, who noted the 2000 International Speech Contest winner, encouraged
three proofs, or appeals, used by speakers. Some audi the audience to join him periodically in saying the
ence members react best to pathos, or an emotional words "one of those days."
appeal. For these listeners, you may want to impart sto Of course, speakers also use rhetorical questions -
ries and heartwarming messages. Others respond best to which by definition don't require an answer. Although
logos, the rational appeal. For them, you want to useful, the rhetorical question doesn't engage the audi
include statistics and cold, hard facts. Finally, some peo ence in the same way. On the plus side, however, it's
ple will be most moved by your credibility as a speaker, fast. If you plan to ask questions that require answers, be
including the values you share with them. In that case, sure to allow for the extra time in your speech.
you might focus on ethos and appeal to their values.
Of course, most of us respond to a combination of all 7Use the royal "we." How many times have we heard
three of these appeals, which is why Aristotle recom speakers tell us what we should do, without including
mended that they all be present in a speech. Audience themselves in the equation? Take, for instance, the line
demographics will help you determine what you may "You need to live your life the best way you know how."

26 The Toastmaster ■ February 2002

Think how much more inspirational that statement Finally, in the midst of a talk on cross-cultural under
would be if it were rewritten, "We need to live our lives standing, Elisa saw that her audience came alive when
the best way we know how." This second version doesn't she told a story about her native Mexico. On the spot,
create a distinction between speaker and audience, as if she decided to add another short anecdote later in her
the speaker were superior. And isn't it easier to take speech.
direction from someone we can relate to?
9Catch the vibes. Groups transmit energy, either pos
8Be sensitive to clues. Ever notice people glancing itive or negative. Some of us are naturally tuned into
around the room while you're speaking, fishing the psychic energy of a room; others can learn how to
through papers or tapping their feet? Or is the crowd riv read it. Experienced speakers can train themselves to be
eted in certain spots, laughing at the right places and sensitive to these vibrations and respond to them. These
murmuring assent when you make a strong point? speakers still read clues, as in example number 8, but
With practice, we all can become comfortable enough they catch even the subtle ones, interestingly, one of the
at the lectern to respond to these signs. Here are a few marks of powerful speechcraft is a lowering of defenses
examples of how that's done: between speaker and audience - putting aside the ego
Lisa was telling an intricate folk tale about a hunter and remaining open to the audience's messages.
who encountered many different animals in his travels.
Partway through, she realized that several people in the The playwright Oscar Wilde once wrote,"My dear fel
audience were checking their watches and coughing - tell low, you have got it wrong. The play is a success. The
tale signs of boredom. Had she miscalculated by making only question is whether the audience will be one."
the story too long? No problem! When it didn't affect the An audience is comprised of individuals. As speakers,
meaning of the story, she cut out an animal or two. In we will never have complete knowledge or control of
other places, she summarized rather than telling the story each individual's thoughts and feelings, nor would we
in full scenic detail. She also added a couple of questions wish to. But we do have many tools at our disposal to
to stimulate group involvement. This way, the story was help our audience be the best that it can be. O
tighter, and Lisa regained her audience's attention.
Ben, meanwhile, was delivering a technical speech Caren S. Neile. ATM-S. is a member of Boca Raton Club
that required complex description. Noticing the lost 3299-47 and West Boca Raton Club 1978-47 in Boca
looks in the crowd, he asked for questions in the middle Raton, Florida. She has taught public speaking and writ
of the speech rather than at the end. He also added sev ing at Florida Atlantic University, where she now teaches
eral concrete examples to clarify his abstract points. storytelling.

0
your opinion. For the
♦ nex^w months we're going
to ask you about major(and not so major)
nhswer, visit our Web site at www.toastmasters.org
and ta be posteci-jn a future issue of
fyf

How has Sept. 11th changed the content of your speeches?

On the h-^mr pipiniiitoiiiiiii/iiiiriirirr. yrii'll find a button labeled: "Online

We look om yoi
voul

The Toastmsster • February 2002 27

 •w i ll'.

The Two
Inviolate
Laws of
Speaking By Paul Evans

Character and content are

what really counts.
Two years ago I sat captivated in an audience listening to
a man considered one of the best speakers on the cir
cuit. He almost hypnotized us with his cadence of style
and charisma. Leaning toward the stage, I began to study
his methods, hoping to learn and apply some of his tech feedback, experience and training gained from your mem
niques. He seemed to possess every tool of a top presenter. bership will catapult your communication skills.
Halfway through his message, however, I became But even more critical than ability, you want to know if
uneasy. A couple of his illustrations sounded familiar. He the presenter is credible. If a coworker steps on the podium
related the stories in first person, but I knew the individ to present a talk on office ethics and you know she is slipping
uals to whom the events occurred. Changing few of the supplies in her purse for personal use, how will you respond?
details, he plagiarized a story in front of 2,000 attendees. When you see a flier on the bulletin board that says: "Bill
Leaning back in my seat, I listened to the rest of the Whatshisname, speaking today on team work," but you
speech, but I was not nearly as impressed as before. In fact, I know he runs his company like a dictator, how do you feel?
was skeptical - because no one wants to be taken for a ride W. Somerset Maugham says, "Don't be short-changed
on the merry-go-round when they thought they were board by choosing personality over character." Maugham is
ing a roller coaster. I did learn a lot that night, but not about right. Isn't "short-changed" how we feel after we discover
presentations skills. I learned that no amount of talent can that the speaker is not all he claimed? On the other hand,
save a speaker who ignores the two unbreakable laws of when a person of character speaks we feel rich, even if the
speaking: the law of character and the law of content. presenter was not the best.
A simple test of character is revealed in the old adage,
THE UW OF CHARACTER "Character is who you are when no one else is looking."
Mom always taught us as kids: "Actions speak louder than Who you are cannot be separated from your message. The
words." How we live speaks louder than what we say. You true nature of your spirit, character and heart is evident
want to trust the person speaking to you, and you want to through your words and actions.
be trustworthy when presenting. Character lends strength After exiting the civic center two years ago, I began
to your message before the first word is spoken, before the thinking about the speaker's message. I remembered the
first note is taken, before the audience's first laugh. stories (even the ones out of context), but I did not
Think about it. When someone approaches the micro remember his point. The more I reviewed, the more 1 real
phone you want that person to be good: skilled, interest ized that although he spent more than an hour talking,
ing, exciting, magnetizing. You want to be all those things he shared little valuable information. Only after reflect
as well. That's why you joined Toastmasters. You know the ing did 1 notice that he broke the second law.

28 The Toastmaster ■ February 2D02

THELAWOFCOKTENT should re-emphasize the premise of your presentation.
Although charisma may deliver style points to listeners, Each should support the premise to the point of being
content delivers mind points. Of course, you want to inseparable. If possible, the presentation's content should
become the best communicator you possibly can, but be so strong that the audience would feel foolish were
remember this: A bad day on the platform with poor con they to ignore it. When you see people taking notes, you
tent will leave an unrecoverable bad impression. But a know you have content - because it is impossible to take
bad day on the platform with strong content can still notes on nothing.
leave a favorable impression. Which reminds me of that disappointing speaker. Maybe
Consider the rule of the walk-away. The speaker I I should look him up and thank him for making me think
heard, though entertaining, provided no walk-away about what really counts in a presentation. Character and
information. As you prepare, look over your presentation content. Break these two laws at your own risk. Q
and ask, "What is the walk-away value of this material?"
Another way to think about this is, "What will the listen
ers remember when they get home?"
To ensure that your main points are remembered, have Paul Evans is the author of Step By Step to Unforgettable
your content securely tied to your theme. Every point Messages. Contact Paul at [email protected].

8 Ideas to Manage Controversy In Meetings

By Eli Mina
Inevitably, your organization will encounter controversies with respect to issues or changes under consideration.
Controversy as such is not bad, but the way it is handled can determine whether your organization wilt emerge from the
discussions bruised and divided, or healed, confident and united.

Contact potentially disruptive individuals or factions prior to the meeting and seek to address any legitimate concerns.
1 Reassure them that the meeting will be run fairly and ask for their support.
2Set a constructive tone for the meeting. "The issues to come before us are not easy. At the same time, I am confident
that - as highly dedicated individuals - we can work together, debate the issues rationally, and reach positive out
comes for the organization that we all love."

3Remind participants of the organization's mandate and values. Do so at the start of the meeting, Do so again if things
become heated. "It may be helpful to remind ourselves of our mission statement, which says . It behooves us
to ask ourselves: Are we on track right now?"

4Introduce guidelines at the start of the meeting and have them approved by the members: 'Speak when recognized
by the facilitator, focus on issues and not people, maintain civility and decorum."

5See If contentious proposals can be modified (without compromising fundamental principles) to address valid con
cerns and integrate constructive suggestions.

6Intervene decisively if members are disruptive: "Would you please focus on the issues and not the personalities?"
"Please give others the same respect you want when you are speaking."

7Use affirmative language to convert criticisms into needs and interests. Instead of "You sound unhappy with our leader
ship."say "You seem to suggest that we could be more inclusive and better tuned into the needs of our shareholders."

Make the room setup conducive to collaboration. Example: Replace parallel rows with round tables, and see If you can
8break adversarial patterns by mixing the group's various factions.
Bi Mina is the author of The Complete Handbook of Business Meetings(American Management Association). He Is a profes
sional meeting chairman and a Registered Parliamentarian. Wsit his Web site virww.elimlna.com.

Tht Tosstmastir • Fabrusry Z002 29

 TOPICAL TIPS
By Mark Majcher. ATM

Toastmasters Share Their Lessons Learned

Send It
You've intended to send in that Topical Tip to share with other ■ Write out your speeches and then edit.
On the second time around, look for a
Toastmasters. Go ahead and do it! You've been meaning to clear opening and conclusion. Outline
your speech using bullet points.
send a letter to someone to clarify some issues. Make it happen!
Memorize the speech and incorporate
You promised yourself you'd send an e-mail to let someone know notes about gestures and punch lines into
your text. Use humor as much as possi
you are thinking of him or her. Send it! This advice is ble. Maintain a resource folder of stories, phrases, jokes and
from my personal experience. When faced with a choice powerful words.
to initiate communication or to wait for someone else to GARY CARR, CTM • MCLEAN, VIRGINIA
take that step, I've never regretted making the first move.
■ Our club gave members a list of all the executive roles,
explaining the roles' requirements. Members who did not feel
■ Donating "The Toastmaster" magazines is a great way to capable ofperforming a certain role aossed it off. Uncrossed-
help other people while promoting your club and Toastmasters off roles became the nomination forms for the club election,
International. I've donated the magazines to a nearby women's and we had elections for every role! This led to a great team
shelter, hoping to inspire the women there. I've written to Save leading our club.
the Children Canada, who thought the magazines could help RAE HANKIN • PORIRUA CITY, NEW ZEALAND
its youth group. And I give magazines to our club's guests,
mentioning that all members receive this publication every ■ A good way to become a better listener is to volunteer
month. I hope they will continue the recycling and show - or to judge speech contests at any level of competition. It
give - the magazines to friends. worked for me. To learn more about the fine points,
SUJATA CHAPMAN • TORONTO, ONTARIO, CANADA attend an officer training workshop and talk with experi
enced judges. You will become familiar with the judging
■ / cut out speech suggestions and paste them in my Toastmas criteria for different contests. Then, if you compete, you
ters binder under appropriate labels, such as visual aids, ways can hone in on what's most important. But beware when
to close speeches or effective evaluations. This helps me remem you listen to "professional" speakers in the media. Some
ber great suggestions and inspires me with fresh ideas. need improvement. Critique their performances and
GERDA HEFFNER • KITCHENER, ONTARIO, CANADA become a better speaker - and listener - yourself.
MARILYN E. JESS, CTM • PITTSFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS
■ Making a speech is not an opportunity to show how clever
rffiBriTrt'"--
you are. Sometimes simpler is better. So avoid too many sound
effects and flying type in slide presentations. Time the audience Share with us that favorite tip, strategy or action that
spends ooh'ing and aah'ing is time they spend not listening to has made you a more effective communicator. Entries
the speaker's words. Also, grandiose words may confuse some may be edited for clarity and length.
listeners and will add little, ifanything, to the message. Send to: Mark Majcher
ERIC SOHN, CL • STAMFORD, CONNECTICUT
"Topical Tips"
1255 Walnut Court
■ Deliver speeches that have personal meaning to you. The Rockledge, FL 32955
audience will feel you're sincere, and your words will have
more impact on the audience. or e-mail: [email protected]
MARIA RONCAL, CTM • MCLEAN, VIRGINIA

30 The Toastmesler ■ February 2002

 HALL OF FAME

The following listings are arranged in numer Mary L. Feltman 1916-58, Florence, South Carolina 35 years
Sonla Salah 5458-61, Ottawa, Canada
ical order by district and club number. Speak-Easy 3588-19, Dubuque, Iowa
Janet Geister 8413-66, Fort Monroe, Virginia
Alan Ian Popay 6335-72, Hamilton, New Zealand Pikes Peak 3044-26, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Robert J, Steel 1644-73, Melbourne, Australia Leading Knights 3666-2, Burien, Washington
Co-Op 1125-5, San Diego, Callfomia
DTM Allen E. Sinclair 8453-73, Perth, Australia
Electric Toasters 1306-8, Hazelwood, Maryland
Alcoa Technical Center 1729-13, New Kensington,
Pennsylvania
#V)ngratulations to these Toastmasters 310 North 2195-14, Atlanta, Georgia
l#who have received the Distinguished
Toastmaster certificate, Toastmasters
Anniversaries Mid-Cities Noon-Time 2476-25, North Richland Hills,
Texas
Blue-Gray 2459-48, Gunter AFB, Alabama
Intemational's highest recognition. 65 years Wanganui 2417-72, Wanguani, New Zealand
Scientia TM Klub 3499-74, Pretoria, South Africa
Minneapolis 75-6, Minneapolis, Minnesota
Ed J. Mihalka 2436-F, West Covina, California
Norman L. Cook 6245-F, Cypress, California 25 years
Nawaai M. Mabaning 3082-U, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 50 years Knotts Speak Easy 249S-F, Buena Park, California
Emmanuelle Constance Hager 4739-2, Sea Tac, Twilight Time 2740-F, Irvine, California
Lynden 626-2, Lynden, Washington
Washington Orange Motivators 3033-F, Orange, California
Roanoke 1011-66, Roanoke, Virginia
Arthur O. Brickman 3293-11, Fort Wayne, Indiana Del Rey 2646-1, Marina Dei Rey, California
Patricia Faustner 4039-12, Corona, California Jim Hand 1276-6, ManhalJ, Minnesota
Mark A. Gasaway 5003-14, Doraville, Georgia 45 years Wordsmiths 3105-33, Las Vegas, Nevada
Arthur Cridland 1892-21, Vancouver, Canada Reader's Digest 3605-47, Pleasantville, New York
Vincent Li 5449-21, Bumaby, Canada Jackson 2319-7, Medford, Oregon
Bell Speakers 3661-47, Jacksonville, Florida
Bill Verchere 7461-21, Nanaimo, Canada Crane 2339-11, Crane, Indiana
Lion City 2086-51, Singapore
Betty Howald 1380-28, Toledo, Ohio Fllckertail 581-20, Bismarck, North Dakota Twin Towns 3000-69, Tweed Heads, Australia
Susan Davlin 2180-33, Las Vegas, Nevada Nechako 2046-21, Kitlmat, Canada
Westley James Porter Jr. 632-36, Silver Springs, Deadwood 2239-41, Deadwood, South Dakota
Maryland Gavellers 2311-46, Kenllworth, New Jersey 20 years
Wlllard D. Robitaille 4939-42, Edmonton, Canada First Oakville 2245-60, Oakviile, Canada Paradise Valley 4770-3, Scottsdale, Arizona
Cari Duivenvoorden 2204-45, Fredericton, Canada Grace 2215-64, Winnipeg, Canada Encouraging Words 4777-7, Longview, Washington
Kenneth K. Schaefer 4434-46, Warren, New Jersey Bell of Penn Noon-Time 2988-38, Philadelphia,
Maria Evelyn C. Benson 2798-47, Miami, Florida Pennsylvania
James Ocque 6861-47, Lake Mary, Florida
40 years Milton 4778-60, Milton, Canada
Anne Barab 2146-50, Richardson, Texas Cal-State 1733-5, San Diego, California Transportation 4776-62, Lansing, Michigan
Mark Wolfe 3859-50, Dallas, Texas Artesian 3379-14, Albany, Georgia Crown City 2465-65, Cortland, New York
Rebecca J. Wilson 4908-56, Houston, Texas Circle T 3093-42, Medicine Hat, Canada Tropic City 2987-69, Townsville, Australia
Luis E. Moura 4027-57, Concord, California Big Country 3418-42, Moose Jaw, Canada Johnsonville 4775-72,Johnsonville, New Zealand

You have the opportunity to continue the

legacy of our organization's founder by con
tributing to the Ralph C. Smedley Memorial
Keep the Legacy S
Fund. The fund is used to develop new and inno
Contributions are tax deductible. Your sup
vative educational and promotional materials,
port will result in more people learning, growing
such as the videos Meeting Excellence,
and achieving through Toastmasters. Why not
Everyone's Talking About Toastmasters, Effective
discuss this during your club's next business
Evaluation, and the High Performance Leader
meeting? Contributions should be sent to:
ship Program. Our online Supply Catalog at
www.toastmasters.org was also made possible
by contributions to the fund. Your entire dona The Raiph C. SmetUey
tion goes toward developing new materials and Memorial Fund
resources. Not one penny is used for administra
tive costs! Contribute $10 and receive a special TOASTMASTERS INTERNATIONAL
Toastmasters International paper weight. Donors P.O. Box 9052 • Mission Viejo CA 92690, U.S.A.
of $100 or more receive a special plaque and
have their names permanently inscribed on a If making an honorary or memorial contribu
donor recognition plaque at World Headquar tion, please indicate the name and address of
ters. Every contributor is recognized in The any person(s) to whom acknowledgement
Toastmaster magazine. should be sent. Raiph C. Smedley

The Toastmaster ■ February 2002 31

 £fFMr4v»
SM«cb
ESvft uacttiii

* The evaluation process Is probably the

best part of Toastmasters'membership. By giving
and receiving practical, serviceable evaluations, members
sharpen their listening skills as well as hone their speaking proficiency.
These materials can help your club develop an outstanding evaluation tradition.
OTY
163 Ballots and Brief Evaluations $10.95
*//.Ctob
* ^Thc Success^" Perforated form with ballots for best speaker, evaluator, and Table Topics
Series speaker, with a space for each member to make brief comments. Set of 500.
165 Individual Written Speech Evaluation Form $3.50
One-page form for a detailed written evaluation of the speaker.
Available in quantities of 100.
167 Evaluation Kit $4.25
Evciluaie to Materials for adding variety to the evaluation portion of your meetings.
Motivate The kit contains 25 each of these:
• Panel Discussion (160) • Speaker's Profile (161)• Individual Written
Speech Evaluation Form (165) • Evaluation of the Evaluator (1323)
202 Effective Speech Evaluation $1.25
Contains an explanation of the Toastmasters evaluation program with
tips for speakers and evaluators and imaginative evaluation programs.
Suctresi 228 Communication and Leadership Program -Evaluation Guides. $1.25
Contains reprints of the evaluation pages of the Communication and
Leadership Manual, one for each project. May be used when members
forget to bring their manuals to the meeting.
7i\ 292 Evaluate to Motivate $3.50
Communlcatiofj Learn to give an evaluation that benefits the speaker and the audience!
Script and three overhead transparencies. (Approximately 15 min.)
Jhe Art of
EfTecUve Evaluation 251 The Art of Effective Evaluation $35.00
Gmtdf
This program will give Club members the knowledge, motivation and
skills they need to become more effective evaluators. Designed for use
by 20 people. (2-1/2 - 3 hours) Includes:
• One Coordinator's Guide (251-A) • 20 Participant's Notebooks (251-B)
•13 overhead transparencies (251-OH)•20 Club Climate Questionnaires
Gnih|rtlon (251-C) •60 Speech Evaluation Forms (251-0) • One Coordinator's
Certificate (260) • 20 Participant's Certificates (261)
4008V Effective Evaluation VHS $5.95 (PAL 4008 P, $9.95)
10
Uj«(oltvilluotio"5 A video guide to supportive, useful evaluations. This 9-1/2 minute video
includes 10 tips for preparing and presenting a concise, thorough
evaluation full of useful pointers and counsel.

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□ Please change my MasterCard / Visa / Ainex{aKiE0NE)
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