Have any of you taken public speaking courses or training? If so, what methods or programs did you find most effective?
Thruxton wrote:
Have any of you taken public speaking courses or training? If so, what methods or programs did you find most effective?
In the early '70s, I took a Dale Carnegie class. Everyone passes but if graded, I would have gotten a D---. I never came out of my shell (if you've taken the course, you know what I mean). The class itself was a disaster for me, but there are many tenets on how to live life in his main book - How to Win Friends and Influence People - that I try to live by as best I can.
Shellback
Loc: North of Cheyenne Bottoms Wetlands - Kansas
sb
Loc: Florida's East Coast
Toastmasters, if there is one in your area, is worth checking out.
I’ve never tried any, but friends have, and they say they got the most out of joining a toastmasters club, more than taking a course.
I took the Dale Carnegie course many years ago and found it a good course and took public speaking it in college and all we did was play games. I found the most helpful way of getting comfortable was to take an active role in my church and in social clubs doing announcements etc. What ever path you take, make sure they teach you how to organize your thoughts so you can present your ideas like telling a story rather than bouncing around. That to me was more helpful than all the points on how to stand and the what not to do things. If you feel comfortable with the topic you are almost there!
Toastmasters will help you more than anything else I have experienced. They combine reading materials, training, & regular practical experience with mentoring.
You will probably find that you fit in with one group over another, so visit a few before making a final decision.
Thanks to all. I too am a Dale Carnegie graduate from many years ago, but we have never had a Toastmasters Club in our little town. I guess it's time to muster up the self confidence, practice and get the job done. What's the worst that can happen? 🤔
CPR
Loc: Nature Coast of Florida
One more vote for Toastmasters!
Dale Carnegie course was OK but years ago it was expensive. Don't know about now.
I found "toastmasters" helpful. There was a group that met during lunch either weekly or monthly (not sure which) at IHC engineering back in the seventies when I worked there. See if you can find a group in your area. They meetings helped a lot by giving assistance and critique.
Used to be afraid of speaking in public. Affected my grade in high school when we had to give oral reports. About half way through my navy career I was sent to a one month instructor training class. It was rough the first week or so. Used to practice speaking at home by lining our daughters teddy bears up in the laundry room and practicing my reports. Helped me immensely. Any ol' port in a storm as they say.
Popeye wrote:
Used to be afraid of speaking in public. Affected my grade in high school when we had to give oral reports. About half way through my navy career I was sent to a one month instructor training class. It was rough the first week or so. Used to practice speaking at home by lining our daughters teddy bears up in the laundry room and practicing my reports. Helped me immensely. Any ol' port in a storm as they say.
Now that's creative! Thanks for the idea.
glad to be of service. Hope it helps.
The Dale Carnegie course allowed me to find my comfort level and find the right pace at which to speak. It worked quite well and I made tons of presentations to the public for my business. Worth the investment, both time and money.
Back in college it took me three tries to get a passing grade in public speaking class. Then I taught 4 and 5 year old children in Sunday school. No problem now.
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