Speaker, Trainer, Author

Introduction

Why would I write this book when there are many very good books on the market about speaking? Most of them are very long and I think most of what you need to know can be said in just a few pages. You can learn all this on your own, but why not learn from my experience and mistakes? The material in this book plus your real-world experience will move you ahead exponentially.
People list public speaking as one of their greatest fears. Some people would rather die than stand up in front of a group of people and give a speech.
It doesn't have to be that way. With some tips, pointers, and by learning from other's mistakes, a lot of practice and preparation, almost anyone can give a great speech and at least live to tell about it. Many folks can be very good speakers. Really!
When it comes to speaking, there are four types of people:
The first group includes those who are naturally good and comfortable speakers but always willing to learn and improve. (I hope I can put myself in this group).
I gave my first formal speech in the eighth grade as part of English class. I was assigned the topic, "Are Wars Necessary?" We had to give our speeches in a huge 1000+ seat auditorium with a real lectern, bright lights, and a sound system. There were only the 25 kids and the teacher in the audience, but I don't think I'd have minded if there had been 1000 people. I was a pretty average kid in school. I certainly didn't stand out as an athlete or scholar, but I'll never forget the look on my teacher's face when I finished my speech. It was one of amazement! I guess she expected me to be average, but I got an A+!
It happened again in High School speech class. I remember the teacher sitting there with his mouth open after I finished. I think I was as surprised as he was.
Still, I had been working as a semi-professional speaker for a few years before I joined Toastmasters and I've learned that there is always more to learn. Every time I think I've made every mistake possible, I make another one. Fortunately, they are further apart than they once were. It would be difficult to overstate the value of Toastmasters (TM). TM offers a safe place to make your mistakes, and receive honest, knowledgeable evaluation. You'll learn to take charge of an audience and think on your feet. If TM isn't an option, or even if it is, having a trusted coach or mentor will be a valuable resource. Find someone you whose opinion you trust and who will tell you the truth.
The second group is people who are uncomfortable speaking, but can learn. Most folks are in the second group. These are the folks who will move from timid to good and maybe on to great.
The third group is the worst. People who think they are good speakers but aren't. They are mediocre to poor speakers with more confidence than ability. They think speaking is about getting in front of an audience and, well, speaking. They think they must be good because they aren't afraid to speak. Clearly, you have to have a larger than average ego to be a speaker, but these folks have more ego than sense. They don't think they have anything to learn. This group is, unfortunately, overpopulated. Obviously you are not a member or you wouldn't be reading this book!
There is nothing wrong with being in the fourth group, people who aren't meant for speaking. Speaking is not for everybody. I've seen several people come to Toastmasters because of a job change for instance or they are thinking about running for public office. Sometimes they find out that they just aren't cut out for speaking. That's okay. At least they gave it a shot. They found out that it's not in their make-up; it's not worth the stress and aggravation. It's good to find out and not be miserable in your job.
A successful speech rests on a three-legged stool. The three legs are: 1.) A well written speech, 2.) delivered by a knowledgeable, well-practiced pro with style and passion and, 3.) knowing the "nuts and bolts" of speaking and the business of speaking. As with any three-legged stool the most important leg is the one that isn't there. In this book we'll work on all three legs.
Everyone has heard a boring speaker. You can't get to the content because the presentation is dead. The opposite is just as much of a failure. We had a substitute pastor at our church who spoke with great passion. His voice boomed! His gestures demanded your attention. Yet, I had no idea what he was talking about. Then there is the speaker who you can't hear because she doesn't understand how to use the microphone. Yes, all three legs have to be there or your speech will collapse.
There are very few hard and fast rules when it comes to speaking. For every rule there is an exception. Sometimes you may hear opposite opinions about a given situation, and they both may be right! Maybe that's what gives some people the heebie-jeebies, there are few absolutes in speaking. Be aware of that as you read this book. I believe in "Take what you like and leave the rest" philosophy.
You'll find there are many benefits to becoming a better speaker. Most folks find that speaking builds their self-esteem. It's a great feeling to know you gave a great speech, crafted from your mind and delivered with style and confidence. The applause is earned and enjoyed. To have people listen to you, and, frankly, to be the center of attention, is cool.
This isn't a very long book, but I don't think a book has to be long to have value. You can learn all this on your own, but it will take a while. Why not learn from my experience? I think I can save you quite a bit of time on your journey to becoming a great speaker. Still, there is no substitute for experience. It won't take long to read this book, but even when you're finished you may not feel ready. Please don't wait! Go! Do!
Any fool can get up in front of an audience and make noise. You can be boring and annoying, or, with command of language and presentation, change lives forever.
Remember "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me"? What bunk! How about, "Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can incinerate my soul." Or "Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words, when harnessed and driven by a practiced, experienced and passionate speaker can change the world." Okay, it's not as poetic but the point is that words are incredibly powerful. They can incite riots or soothe a nation. They can summon tremendous, unstoppable forces. "We the people", "I have a dream!", "Lo, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil," "Nigger," "I love you." Powerful things, these little bits of sound.
It's no small thing to ask a group of people to gather together to listen to you. Do you comprehend your tremendous responsibility to corral these powerful little words? Can you train them to march in order? Will they obey?
There are ten thousand ways to do it wrong and there are ten thousand ways to do it right and the correct answer is constantly changing. How will you know? How will you choose? Your own experience will be the best teacher, and I hope my experience, shared in this book, will help.
To grow to be a successful speaker is quite an accomplishment. I'm excited for you! I know where you're going and it's a great place to be!