Written by,
Michelle Page
Michelle Page
‘Westside Toastmasters – The Westside is the Best Side!’
Sometimes it seems a little corny, but as a newby to Toastmasters this slogan seems to fit.
If you ever want a constructive criticism of your public speaking with no discernable agenda behind it, you could not do better -- even with your own family. This group, without exception, has been welcoming and helpful.
The other night I gave my 2nd speech in the Competent Communicator Manual – Organize your Speech.
Everything seemed to be going well. I practiced my speech in front of myself, then my husband, a neighbor and myself again. I tried to organize it.
Since I had been out of town the week before setting up an exhibition (camping in 60 mph winds in a tent, no less), I foolishly hadn’t been in touch with Maarten, my mentor. I think 30 minutes with him would have helped immensely. Penny wise, pound foolish applies to preparation as well as anything in life. Sometimes those clichés are truisms. I should have called Maarten!
I was a bit surprised that many commented on the odd nature of my subject: ‘Urban Chickens I have known’, as it was specifically chosed to fit into the Earth Day theme.
Next time, I promise to try to wrap my speech up more effectively. I did learn not to move around so much, taking to heart my ‘Ice Breaker’ comments.
My first time out, in the ‘Ice Breaker’ speech, I was lucky. I had a public speech coming up that related to my business and the Toastmaster’s experience was invaluable. I even had the luxury of performing the same speech two nights in a row before two different clubs! Perfect for me as it turned out I had to give a speech at my exhibition twice as well.
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Doggedly,
Michelle
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My new Blog: http://nepaldog.typepad.com/danger_dog_blog/
For a link to my interview on PRI's "the World" go to:
http://www.theworld.org/?q=node/18399&answer=true
The complete Los Angeles Times article can be viewed at:
http://www.latimes.com/features/home/la-hm-dogs24apr24,1,2996307.story
Go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/ampage1/2008Dogs
Go to: http://picasaweb.google.com/ampage1/LatestDogs
A Michelle Page
DANGER DOGS FROM NEPAL
http://www.nepaldog.com/
310.828.7745
