High-profile employees at large firms receive training in public speaking, including speaking on camera. If they suddenly have to speak up on behalf of the company, they and their bosses are confident that they’ll come across well. In the best cases they’ll express exactly what they’re supposed to. They’ll be articulate and poised.
The rest of us may want to be that suave, but it’s not really that important, is it?
It is if you have a dream. If you have a product or service you want to persuade others about, you need to speak compellingly. And if you suddenly have a big breakthrough and the media want to talk to you, would you want to say, “No…thanks, really. I’m just not a good public speaker.”?
They have other stories to cover. While you’re gathering your wits, they’re turning to their next assignment. Too bad, so sad.
That’s why, if you want to promote something, you need to be ready to speak. That’s why I joined Toastmasters eight years ago.
At Toastmasters you practice giving speeches in a friendly environment. Fellow club members give you feedback about your speeches. If you like speaking, you can also participate in contests.
Toastmasters needs you to fill in other roles, such as leading the meeting, being the “humorist” (telling one joke), and counting the number of times speakers say “ah” and “um.”
Toastmasters membership costs under $100 per year. If you put in the time, you get something invaluable back—the ability to say the right thing at the right time.
Here’s the link to my club, the Murray Hill Speakers Club.
Here’s the link to Toastmasters International, where you can find a club near you.
If you’re serious about marketing, drop by a meeting for free and learn more about the program.
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