Public Speaking / Leadership Programs

[taktikz]

I've always wanted to master the art of speaking, especially in front of large crowds. Been looking at some public speaking / leadership programs and they all seem to charge a few G's for just 2-3 days.

I've gone to Toastmasters (once) and it's mostly an older crowd which kind of turned me off about it. The atmosphere also seemed kind of like a do-it-yourself type thing and didn't see any senior members actually training anyone.

So, have any WF members ever join one of these programs or find alternatives?

 

[Dwight Schrute]

I've always wanted to master the art of speaking, especially in front of large crowds. Been looking at some public speaking / leadership programs and they all seem to charge a few G's for just 2-3 days.

I've gone to Toastmasters (once) and it's mostly an older crowd which kind of turned me off about it. The atmosphere also seemed kind of like a do-it-yourself type thing and didn't see any senior members actually training anyone.

So, have any WF members ever join one of these programs or find alternatives?

This won't help much, but I learned to be a public speaker by going out and being shitty at it, then improving over time.

Now, I speak in front of large audiences with ease and confidence. (I sound like an infomercial)

I recommend anything by Dale Carnegie and Terry Sjodin (Terri Sjodin, CSP - Persuasive Sales Skills Presentations, Professional Public Speaker, Sales training consulting).

I also recommend finding a speaker who you like and asking them to critique a presentation of yours. That was the biggest help to me.

 

[farking]

I think the right program type depends on the reasons for your current lack of expertise. If the purpose of the course is to get over your fear of public speaking (most common), I don't think the 2-3 day session would be all that helpful.

If you're fine with public speaking, but you're just looking to improve your techniques, than 2-3 days with an expert may be all you need.


When I was in high school I was a shitty public speaker (because I was scared shitless) and so I took a half year course on it. The first few times were stressful, but having to do a short speech in front of 30 people every week really helped. Now it's easy. Plus I learned such gems as the power triangle...so I have that going for me, which is nice...

 

[dmnEPC]

I second Dwight's post. Carnegie's stuff is awesome take the course. The best way is to get out and do it. Find a product to sell, learn to talk to a small group and then move to bigger ones. Join civic groups or contact civic groups they are always looking for speakers. The only way to really get good is to do it and do it often

 

[taktikz]

Have looked into the Dale Carnegie courses before, but never really did any research. It seems there are a lot of people that have positive things to say about the program, so I will definitely consider it.

 

[DanWesson]

I'm considering going to a Toastmasters meeting. There are several groups around here, so hopefully there's one with a good range of people.
I simply suck at public speaking, at least, I am too nervous about it. It figures that practice and repetition work every time to getting good with something, so hopefully something like Toastmasters will be a good practice venue.

dmnEPC, good info for some other possible venues.