Comments on: Speak Up!

By: Susan

Susan — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:05:19 +0000

I think Toastmasters is a pretty reputable organization, Faith. I recall one of the “braggers” at W!C saying that she’d reached the silver level (whatever that is) and indicating that they’d helped her quite a bit with her public speaking. The course I took on public speaking through a community college was run by a Toastmasters’ leader, and I found it (and him) to be quite good. Hope that helps.

By: Faith

Faith — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 20:08:59 +0000

Susan – I’ve heard of/seen ads for Toastmasters, but I don’t really know anything about them so I hesitate to recommend. Have you had a good experience with them or know someone who has? I’d love to be able to tell people ‘this group is great, give it a try’!

Jessica – Thanks for coming by and commenting! Public speaking really does get easier when you’re forced to do it repeatedly, fortunately!

By: Jessica

Jessica — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 11:55:04 +0000

Great post Faith! In the past, I was afraid of public speaking but in high school I took debate and that was a part of speech. Then in college I had to take speech again and you know what? Public speaking is not so scary after all. You’ve laid out some practical points here, very helpful. Thank you!
And thank you for stopping by my blog.

By: Susan B

Susan B — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:21:32 +0000

Hi there, Faith,

Good blog entry. Public speaking has never been my favourite activity, but as you say, it’s career-crucial for the aspiring/published author. I take every opportunity to speak to groups – whether it’s an extension of my job as a librarian, a chance to read my work to a live audience, to participate in an author panel, or to give a radio interview. Yes, I’ve done all of the above, and quite successfully. Your tips are practices that I consistenly use, but if someone has a severe case of nerves to battle, I’d suggest taking a public speaking course at a local college or joining a group like Toastmasters.