Fellow Toastmasters,
I know that many new Toastmasters have difficulty finding their voice. Be it from fear of speaking or from not having much experience, many new speakers will borrow a lot of material and gestures from other speakers in order to make it through their five to seven minute speeches. I have even seen many advanced speakers slip into content and style that is not their own during longer presentations.
How do you know when you have found your own voice? Here is a great example of a speaker that has found his voice. When watching this video, notice the speaker’s body language and the tone of his voice. He is truly a confident speaker that has found his style and method of delivery.
How can you find your own style? Through constant practice, writing your own speeches word for word, and getting out there and delivering every speech better then the last. I know that sometimes it can seem like it is just not clicking, but I know that if you want it bad enough, you will get it.
Keep on speaking,
Chris
About the Author: My Toastmasters Blog is written and edited by Chris Elliott, a professional speaker and blogger. Chris serves as a leader for supply chain and international non-profit organizations. He enjoys using his knowledge and experiences during his speaking engagements, workshops, consulting projects, and one-on-one coaching sessions. The result—connecting people and empowering change. If you would like information on how you can bring Chris to speak to your next meeting, please download Chris' one sheet or contact him by clicking here.
So Chris…who is this guy?!?