“Writing is a great job if it wasn’t for the writing.” — Richard Tardif, 2018. Unless you are one of those unique individuals who can turn out a clear, emphatic first draft, you will rework your speech and, more than likely, a great deal. Some of the best, prolific authors and speech writers are meticulous, writing …
Writing is a Great Career if it Wasn’t for the Writing Read More »
Of all the things that can make us break out in a cold sweat, public speaking has got to be one of the worst. The mere thought of standing in front of a room full of people, baring your soul and hoping they don’t throw tomatoes at you can be enough to make even the …
Jelly Legs, Shaky Voice: Public Speaking for the Trembling Masses Read More »
Dr. Wayne W. Dyer wrote a particular phrase in his 1976 book Your Erroneous Zones, like this: “Entertain yourself with a fantasy in which you allow yourself to have anything you want. No holds barred. You have enough money to do what you want. You’ll find that almost all your mental meanderings are attainable. You …
What Public Speaking Would Be Like If Erroneous Zones Didn’t Exist Read More »
Are you ready to become a public-speaking superhero? Or a Krazed Jester? Look no further than Toastmasters, where toasty tongue twisters and wacky wordplay are the secret weapons to mastering the art of public speaking. Let’s be honest; public speaking can be terrifying. The thought of standing in front of a crowd and delivering a …
“Always mystify, torture, mislead, and surprise the audience as much as possible.” — Don Roff, writer and filmmaker. Standing at the podium, I raced with thoughts of Winston Churchill’s infamous words: “Take away this pudding; it has no theme!” I had just concluded a rambling and disorganized speech, leaving the audience befuddled, disinterested and less …
“Puddinggate: When Themeless Speeches Let You Down Read More »
“Humility will open doors more than arrogance ever will,” — Zig Ziglar. The underlying fear of public speaking is a judgment or negative evaluation by others, but with preparation and persistence, you overcome it. Here is what we can do to get you started and beyond your fear. Know your topic The better you know …
When Your Heart Skips a Beat: Overcoming Fear in the Spotlight Read More »
What I learned as a non-fiction author My significant other was happy that I didn’t have a heart attack. I did, however, sit too long, drink too much coffee, and miss meals. I realized this after publishing my first book, Stop the Denial: A Case for Embracing the Truth about Fitness, in 2017. I even …
In March 2020, Beth Blum published The self-help Compulsion: Searching for advice in modern literature. The Harvard Assistant Professor of English studied how readers have engaged with books as guides for becoming better people. What caught my eye was Blum’s suggestion that perhaps we are missing out on literary classics like storytelling and fiction as …
How Low can FlufferNutters go When Telling a Story? Read More »
The fear of public speaking is a shared form of anxiety. It can range from slight nervousness to paralyzing fear and panic, trembling hands, sweaty palms, tense body, breathlessness, a quavering voice, and a brain freeze. Does that sound like fun to you? Right? That fear, by the way, is what keeps you humble and …
Why Your Fear of Public Speaking Never Works Out the Way You Plan Read More »
By Phil Méthot and Richard Tardif Are you looking for a fun way to improve communication and build skills to help your career? Pointe-Claire Toastmasters allows you to engage with people with similar interests in a supportive and comfortable setting. Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills through a …
Six Shocking Ways Toastmasters Will Make You a Better Dancer—Even If You Don’t Speak Read More »
