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Establish Your Credibility as a Speaker by Becoming an Author

publish your books

One of the surest ways to establish your credibility as a speaker is by becoming an author. Having books available to offer your audiences enables them to “take you home” and remember your presentation.  However, so many people want to … Continue reading

Speaking from the Heart

Speaking from the Heart

Recently I was reminded of an essential truth about speaking. We want to be speaking from the heart. The important reminder about speaking from the heart happened during a meeting where participants were practicing their “core idea” speeches with the … Continue reading

Conquering the Fear of Public Speaking Changes Lives

faye ribbon

I’ve always said, with deep conviction, that conquering the fear of public speaking changes lives. Not only do I say conquering the fear of public speaking changes lives. I’ve seen it! Over and over and over again, thanks to Toastmasters.  … Continue reading

Recipe for an Unforgettable Presentation

Recipe for an Unforgettable Presentation

Here is a recipe for preparing and delivering a presentation that can render you and your message unforgettable. The three ingredients An unforgettable presentation has one or all three of these ingredients: Uncharacteristic of the person or situation Unusual Unexpected … Continue reading

Speakers Emergency Kit – Safety Pins

In two weeks, two situations arose that safety pins could solve. Microphone Battery Pack The first incident was a popular guest speaker who did not have any means by which we could attach the battery pack so she could wear … Continue reading

Your Opinion May be an Idea Worth Spreading

opinion as tedX talk

My colleague, Circe Denyer, and I started a Toastmaster club, called Stagemasters, in 2017 with a TEDx style speaking focus. TED and TEDx Focus The mantra of TED and TED is “An Idea Worth Spreading.” I learned from my TEDx … Continue reading

A Most Embarrassing Moment

Many years ago I was serving as the Toastmaster at a meeting. Dinner was first. Then I got up to do my duty. I joked, smiled, smiled, smiled. Really hammed it up. You know how us Toastmasters can be. This … Continue reading

My Experience as a TEDx Speaker

linnaea-mallette-TEDx-

On January 28th, 2017, I stepped on a TEDx stage and delivered “an idea worth spreading” What are TED and TEDx? I found that many people that I shared my good news with had not heard of TED or TEDx. … Continue reading

A Memorable Memorial Service thanks to Toastmasters

Memorable-Memorial-service

I recently participated in a memorial service for a fellow Toastmaster. Remembering Dick Churchill The gentleman who passed on November 18, 2016, is Richard (Dick) Churchill.  He was a member of Toastmasters for close to 50 years.*   He even met the founder … Continue reading

Avoid Computer Updates While Presenting

image of a computer screen updating

Scheduling when updates occur will avoid disruptive computer updates while presenting. I have a page on this site devoted to “J” – for “JAMS. “   It explains common things that can occur while doing a presentation and offers suggestions … Continue reading

A Roast of a Person Done Right

photo of Janet Walters and Kathleen Lubin

I was thrilled that a fellow Toastmaster took my suggestions on how to deliver a roast of a person and delivered a delightfully funny roast. What is a Roast? In Toastmasters, we have a custom of praising and poking fun at … Continue reading

Importance of Storytelling for Persuasive Speaking

Storytelling in Public Speaking

Last night I attended an evaluation contest and appreciated the emphasis placed on storytelling for persuasive speaking Toastmasters Evaluations One of the hallmarks of the Toastmasters program is evaluations. Each speaker in a club receives feedback, both written and oral, after delivering a … Continue reading

How to Turn Subject Matter Experts into Trainers

panels as a step into public speaking

As a Trainer Coordinator, I helped several shy individuals become confident trainers in a way that was non-threatening. During my 33-year career at UCLA, I served as a Training Coordinator for nearly 13 years. The training was designed to help Research … Continue reading

No Bra Straps while Speaking

No Bra Straps while Speaking

One of the ways to tarnish a professional appearance is to have bra straps showing or, worse, pulling them up while presenting! In 2015, my church decided to go live stream.  Our services include an opening prayer and five-minute talk … Continue reading