Develop Your Communication Skills

In studying leadership, one of the first definitions one learns is that it is simply getting things done through others.  I’ve found it fairly easy to get things done when I was the one getting them done.  I’ve found it fairly challenging to motivate others to do what I needed done and to do them at the high standards that I require.  To do this involves, not only a knowledge of psychology, but communication.  One needs to be able to move a vision from one’s own mind to the mind of another.  To share visions and processes with subordinates, as well as invoke motivation and initiate and sustain change, one needs strong communication skills.

In North Carolina, the state implemented a program to improve the leadership skills of it’s school principals.  The program is so rigorous, that graduates of the course cherish their certificates more highly than their Masters Degrees.  The Principals' Executive Program (PEP) focused one component of its curriculum on written communication.  However, public speaking skills, were not addressed at the time that I went through the program.  It was simply assumed that those skills were present already.  Unfortunately, that’s a bad assumption.

Due to school administrators having to speak to groups — many times with little or no notice — I’ve taken the initiative to improve my public speaking skills.  I’ve always been comfortable in front of a crowd and have always done well there, but felt I could always improve.  I joined Toastmasters International.  I knew of the club’s existence for years, but it wasn’t until Steve Pavlina wrote of his experiences in the organization that I decided to act on joining.  So about four weeks ago, I did just that.

The first part of the program takes one through a series of 10 speeches, each designed to teach one public speaking skill.  The first, which I gave last night, was called an Ice Breaker, designed to get you in front of a crowd and to let the group know a little more about you, as the topic of the speech is yourself.  Someone is assigned to listen critically to you and, later, gives you feedback on how you did.  There is a time keeper, as part of the training is to help one become proficient in crafting a speech for a specified time period.  There is someone else who listens for grammar and those dreaded, “Um’s” and “Uh’s” that slip out when one scrambles for a thought.

My joining was inexpensive as my initial membership ran around forty dollars, which included the national dues, local dues, and a new member packet.  Future years will be only about twenty dollars.  Not bad.

As one rises through the ranks of one’s chosen organization, chances to express opinions and ideas will present themselves.  Being able to present them effectively will be key in one’s ascent in any organization.  Don’t neglect your public speaking abilities; I encourage you find a local Toastmasters International and join.

Comments

[Shawn Levasseur]

"Future years will be only about twenty dollars."

Actually Dues are Semi-annual in Toastmasters. Once in the Spring, and once in the fall.

Still a good deal though.

[Adrian Trenholm]

Congratulations on your Icebreaker.

Tom Peters has a funny bit about Toastmasters in Brand You 50:

Tom's Rules for Gettin' Good at Speechifying

1. Join Toastmasters
2. See No 1. above

That's what prompted me to join three and half years ago. I got my CTM in December. Toastmasters is probably the most useful thing I have ever done and it's great fun too.

[Jonathan Aquino]

I would also recommend Nonviolent Communication (book or videos - I prefer the latter).

Learning NVC doesn't imply that you're a violent person!

[John Richardson]

Congratulations on joining Toastmasters Bert. I have been involved with the organization for over 5 years. It has changed my life in many ways. In addition to public speaking it is also a great place to practice leadership.

Out here in California we are having our district 12 conference this Saturday. I have the privilege of being the International Toastmaster for the district speech contest. The speech quality at this level is phenomenal and our lineup of conference keynoters is great.

If you get a chance, make sure to participate in your district activities. It's a whole different world than the club. Have fun!

John

[Bert]

Thanks, John!

My experience so far has been wonderful. The people are warm, friendly, and supportive. I've been extremely pleased with the meetings and the club. Unfortunately, I joined right after the competitions in our areas, so I didn't get to hear the speeches there. But, that gives me time to work toward participating the next time.

--Bert

[Balaji]

Hai this very usefull to me