Humorous Speech Contest and Rehearsing that Speech

Previously, we discussed the way to structure a speech or presentation with the “Opening, Body and Conclusion”, this week we look at preparing yourself to make that presentation.

How do you do that? By rehearsing.

Practice the talk until you are comfortable with it.
You won’t need to memorise the body of the talk since you already know all about the subject. As mentioned already, you should memorise your opening and conclusion.
Present the talk to a family member or friend and ask for comments.

They may give you some helpful suggestions. If you have a tape recorder, record the talk and listen to it carefully making any necessary improvements to improve your speaking ability. Rehearse as often as it takes until you are comfortable with your presentation. Use visualizing techniques in which you imagine yourself in front of your audience delivering that perfect presentation.

Another very important aspect of making your presentation is appearance.
Be well groomed and appropriately dressed. When you look right, you feel good about yourself. You will then forget about your appearance and concentrating about presenting your talk. You will have increased confidence because you know you have made a good first impression on your audience.

All these presentation skills and many more are learned and practiced at every toastmaster meeting. A toastmaster meeting is not a classroom or lecture but a workshop in which the emphasis is on mutual support, learning but most importantly on enjoyment, fun and friendship.

Don’t just take my word for it, come along and see for yourself.
As a guest you will be most welcome and you will not be asked to speak.

Last Thursday night saw the Club Finals of the Humorous Speech and Table Topics Contests.
Entrants in the Humorous Speech Contests were Ray Ryan with his speech, "Extra Luggage", Michael Cronin with, "Bright Spots", and Pat Sexton with, "Winners Podium".

Club members taking part in the Table Topics Contest were Michael Cronin, Pat Duggan, Tony O'Regan, Ray Ryan and Declan Curtis.

Winners were Michael Cronin in the Speech Contest and Ray Ryan in the Table Topics Contest.

Both will represent the club in the Area 17 Final on October 20 in the Firgrove Hotel, Mitchelstown.

Further information on The Speak Easy Toastmasters Club can be obtained by logging on to our website at www.speakeasytoastmasters.com