This article is part of The Ice-Breaker Series: a documentary of my journey through Toastmasters in pursuit of becoming a better public speaker.
In today’s article I reflect on my third Toastmasters speech and provide you with the lessons I learned from the experience. As a Toastmaster I must deliver 10 speeches to become a “competent communicator.” My third speaking assignment was to “get to the point” by being absolutely clear what the audience should do or know at the end of the talk. The allotted speaking time was 4-6 minutes.
My Topic
I chose to speak on a topic from a popular blog post I had written a few months ago called, The Personal Growth Choice. I enjoyed writing this post and since it resonated well with the readers, I thought it would make a great topic for my speech.
Since becoming a Toastmaster, I’ve become much more aware of the differences when communicating by writing and speaking. It’s something that I never gave much thought to until recently. Writing helps me sort my thoughts and organize my message. Speaking is a more personable and dynamic way to deliver the message.
For example, as I was writing the blog post on personal growth, I was aware of my feelings on the topic but I wasn’t quite sure how to communicate them. It took me 4-5 hours of thinking and writing to transform those thoughts and feelings into words. When I was finished, I created a title that tied it together – The Personal Growth Choice.
When I converted the post into a speech, it was easy for me to add stories to the message to drive the point home. My thoughts were already organized. Personally, I felt like I could take the audience deeper into the topic by speaking about it vs. writing about it.
The Zone
This isn’t something I’ve thought about since my days of playing sports but it came to mind after I delivered my speech. If you’re unfamiliar with “the zone,” here’s my best stab at the definition…
Zone: A state of extreme concentration when the mind, body, and spirit act as one.
When you’re “in the zone” you’re focused but also relaxed. It’s a great place to be.
When I began my speech I wasn’t in the zone. I was nervous, fidgety, and worried I might forget my words. But when I got halfway through the speech, something changed. I felt like I was back in my basement where I had practiced my speech. The audience seemed to disappear and it was just me and my speech. The pressure lifted, my mind caught up with my body, and I felt like I was one with my words.
I’m not sure why this happened at this moment but I’m sure glad it did. According to some Toastmasters veterans, new members usually hit this point during their 5th speech. And it happens to EVERYONE! No matter how nervous or afraid you are about public speaking, you eventually find the zone. Once you find the zone, you will always seek it out. It’s a great feeling.
Overall, I feel like I’m improving, and that’s why I joined Toastmasters – to get better each and every day.
Last but not least… the speech. Here you go:
What are your thoughts? I’d love your feedback in the comment section below.
-Scott
Scott Mackes is a leader and founder of the blog Margin of Excellence. A U.S. Navy veteran and graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Scott’s mission is to help others lead remarkable journeys. Connect with Scott on facebook and twitter.
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I loved your speech! I thought you were in the zone from the beginning. You got your point across clearly, it was interesting, and I could sense your passion.
Thanks!!
Great speech, you didn’t even have to look at your notes. I agree about the corporate world
, many of my friends are still working in the same position for the last 10+ years. Thanks for sharing your speech.
Hi Vickie, thanks for stopping by! I’m glad you enjoyed the speech. Stay in touch.
Hey Scott,
You can tell when you got in the zone. The speech really started when you spoke of the performance review. The beginning of the speech lacked emotion and it seemed you were not so passionate and connected to it.
But when you started feeling it, your audience started. Your voice and delivery changed, how you moved around the space changed, and you gestured with only the right hand and with more confidence.
In your written article, the topics flowed together and made the point of stepping out of the system is the path to excellence..
In the speech, it came across first as a guy complaining about working to support a family. Then, the passion came out with the man confidently choosing the path to excellence vs. mediocrity because of the performance report. That’s the part that, on first impression, resonated.
Is that how it felt for you? These are just impressions of one viewing of the speech. Hope it’s helpful.
Pat
Hi Pat! Thanks for your analysis. You’re right, I started really feeling it as I was talking about the performance review and making the choice to become better. I was emotionally attached the whole way through, I was just more reserved at the beginning to stay calm. My goal for the next speech is to be emotionally charged the whole way through.
Hi Scott,
You chose a great subject for your speech. I could tell that you are passionate about personal development. Your speech was well rehearsed: you did not use notes and did not falter with what to say. Your language was easy to understand but not beneath the audience. Well done.
I liked that you did not stand behind the lectern. You made great eye contact with the entire audience throughout the speech, but I found your shifting from foot to foot to be a little distracting. It made you appear nervous.
The idea behind this speech in the Toastmasters manual is to learn about the ideas of a general purpose and specific purpose. I assume you general purpose was to inspire the audience to make the decision to personally grow. And the specific purpose was for the audience to decide to personally grow. I think you accomplished those purposes. Good job!
I think you speech lacked in the area of organization, however. Your opening could have been more catching. Perhaps lead with a rhetorical question (Do you think anyone should earn CC by just showing up for the meetings?) or some other device that engaged the audience. You only spoke of you, how could you have included me as well? In the body you talked generally how you have been pushed along in a system, but to inspire me I need to know what I should be doing. A more positive spin would have been to downplay the “system” and talk about the opportunities for bettering one’s self. Also, it may seem obvious, but why would I want to work on personal growth? What is in it for me?
You are an “expert” in this field, but quoting other well known experts would have given you more credibility, particularly outside your club.
You gave a very good speech and presented yourself very well. I will look forward to seeing more of your speeches posted in your blog. Thank you for sharing.
Hi Jim! Thanks for the thoughtful review. I really appreciate your feedback. I will use your ideas on my next speech.
Scott,
Loved your speach! The content, pace and delivery were all terrific. In one of your next speeches, I’d love to see a little humor.
Keep up the great work. You are on the way to helping a lot of people!
Best,
Jim
Thanks Jim. Good reminder about humor. I’ll work on that.
I really enjoyed the article. And I enjoyed the speech. I’ve been thinking about joining toastmasters myself. After watching your speech–I’m going for it!
Hi Jessica! Let us know how you make out at Toastmasters. Thanks for stopping by!