tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post3126344587222069699..comments2023-10-25T05:20:10.712-07:00Comments on Speak Schmeak: 5 ways to stop repeating the same mistakesLisa Braithwaitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11515770110437411408noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-51075000083413332502009-11-23T12:32:18.256-08:002009-11-23T12:32:18.256-08:00Thanks for your question, Anna. My post refers to ...Thanks for your question, Anna. My post refers to all kinds of presentations; in fact, I never give memorized presentations, so I'm always unscripted. You still have to be aware, listen to yourself, and in the case of a presentation, video or audio record.<br /><br />In the case of a conversation, you can ask a friend or significant other to point out your repetitive speech or verbal tics. I guarantee they can tell you what they are! And again, it's a matter of awareness. Pay attention to how you speak and behave. Think before you speak. Be conscious and mindful. You'll start to notice your own verbal tics and habits and should be able to clear them up on your own.Lisa Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203279973932837403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-59023870064989602962009-11-23T06:50:46.189-08:002009-11-23T06:50:46.189-08:00Great article. My question is, how do you stop unc...Great article. My question is, how do you stop unconsciously repeating yourself in unscripted conversation or public speaking?<br /><br />Scripted, sure, you can just memorize. But if it's unscripted?<br /><br />Thanks for any suggestions.Annanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-46108375034661292662009-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:002009-02-24T12:48:00.000-08:00Wow Kare, I think I'm blushing! Thanks so much for...Wow Kare, I think I'm blushing! Thanks so much for your comments. <BR/><BR/>I would love to see Toastmasters at work in a prison. I used to work with kids who were locked up in our local juvenile detention center, and many of them were more motivated than privileged kids I knew. Sometimes it's harder to motivate yourself when everything is handed to you.Lisa Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203279973932837403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-43633247752872359282009-02-24T08:33:00.000-08:002009-02-24T08:33:00.000-08:00As a paid speaker I think this is flat-out the bes...As a paid speaker I think this is flat-out the best post I've ever read (that can help anyone) on how to improve speaking skills and must admit in chagrin, that I've not taken all the advice, but now will. <BR/><BR/>Thanks for the gentle kick in the pants. <BR/><BR/>Plus, I agree, in part with one of the two commentaries on Toastmasters. A very persistent friend here in Sausalito kept pressing me to attend the chapter in San Quentin prison. Finally I did and watched the best side of Toastmasters come out. <BR/><BR/>All participants were prepared, present, very specific in feedback and, with one exception, much better speakers than me. Their passion for improvement, mutual support and appreciation of the outsiders who came to participate with them was a great way for me to see ways to improve. <BR/><BR/> Plus I saw the power of individuals designing their own way to plan for a world outside, and to support each other towards that end. Thanks for a pithy, practical post that brought back those memoriesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-11483617522133548212009-02-24T07:34:00.000-08:002009-02-24T07:34:00.000-08:00Great analogy, Tony! In fact, I wrote a blog post ...Great analogy, Tony! In fact, I wrote a blog post about this using an American Idol contestant last year... remember "rockin' Kyle Reinneck?<BR/>http://tinyurl.com/c78h3dLisa Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203279973932837403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-84158598627909991482009-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:002009-02-24T06:58:00.000-08:00Why do we need coaching? Because we have no way of...Why do we need coaching? Because we have no way of looking at ourselves once we leave the mirror in the morning. It's like American Idol when someone thinks they are an amazing singer but all of America now knows they aren't. Coaching helps us improve. Classes help us learn. Feedback keeps us from self delusion. Spot on as always!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06600670737027920629noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-62964291705441833852009-02-23T16:55:00.000-08:002009-02-23T16:55:00.000-08:00Thanks for expanding on the topic, Richard. We hav...Thanks for expanding on the topic, Richard. We have a couple of advanced TM clubs here, which I should have mentioned. I have a little audio recorder I use when I don't feel like dragging out the camcorder. I also now have a Flip camcorder; that's probably what I'll bring to my next presentation!Lisa Braithwaitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10203279973932837403noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35758167.post-17226682687108508792009-02-23T14:09:00.000-08:002009-02-23T14:09:00.000-08:00A great post! By the way, Lisa, I thoroughly enjoy...A great post! By the way, Lisa, I thoroughly enjoy over 90% of your blog posts. <BR/><BR/>1) Toastmasters clubs vary widely in personality. Choosing one is somewhat like choosing a church. I picked mine because they include an age span of about fifty years and a correspondingly wide variety of backgrounds. (That includes three people who will answer when you say “Doc” - two PhDs and a DVM). Also, Toastmaster clubs are not all just for beginning speakers. In larger metro areas you can find Advanced Clubs with experienced speakers who are seeking evaluation from their peers. They might be as different from most clubs as an Explorer Post is from a Cub Scout Pack.<BR/><BR/>2) Don’t forget you can audio record yourself rather easily. Many of the little MP3 players also can record and then upload to a computer. You may already be carrying a recorder around in your briefcase or backpack. <BR/><BR/>RichardRichard I. Garberhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04032747070969465341noreply@blogger.com