I AM an author and a speaker. I credit most of my confidence and ability to my nearly 4 years as a Toastmaster. It has been an integral support in coming to terms with, and THRIVING with a physical disability. Better, not bitter – this disability will be the MAKING of me ♥ in ways I could have never anticipated!

This presentation, part of Toastmasters International’s Better Speaker Series, will teach some effective methods to make your speech conclusion memorable; people remember longest, the last thing they hear!

4 Important Criteria

• Achieve a sense of closure
• Summarize main points
• Make an impact
• Take 5-10% of the entire speech

Closure: Words: “in conclusion”, “let me end by saying”, “in summary”

Summarize: Repeat and review key points

Impact: Speech will be forgotten but a meaningful conclusion will be remembered

Ending Techniques

• Quotation
• Story or anecdote
• Call to action
• Ask a rhetorical question
• Refer to the beginning of the speech
• Summarize your main points

Tips for Success

• Write out and memorize conclusion
• End on time
• Refrain from adding new content

New Years Resolutions Goals (2012)

- Attain DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster) Designation
- Start making videos

Looking ahead to 2012, I see a few comfort zones that I would like to “escape” from – momentarily at least. Technical Presentations. I am rather shocked that I managed a decade working in IT without ever having to do such a presentation. Now? I am considering it out of the sphere of work – as something (almost) bordering on fun. My challenge is to learn how to present technical material in a way that doesn’t incite snoring in the audience or leave them scratching their heads.

xposted to http://www.technicalblather.com/

This is a perfect descriptor of what Toastmasters means to me! I am constantly challenged to step beyond my comfort zone; it has been a choice that continues to change my life.

If you agree to take on a role:

1. Follow through with it or find a replacement
2. Don’t assume you CAN’T do it if it’s something new
3. Accept constructive criticism with grace and gratitude
4. Put YOUR best into it – and your best may change from time to time depending on circumstance

After refraining from speaking (in terms of actual speeches) for some time, I suspect I will be up to my “old tricks” in 2012.
Persuasive. Convincing. Motivating.
Following my dreams…
I have finally purchased my niche manual!

How inspiring it is for me to share my Toastmasters experience with my husband! As of today, we will be dual members of two clubs together, and I will be a member of 4. Having common (dream) goals with one’s partner keeps both focused on the big, beautiful (and hopefully scenic) picture. Perfect gait, cane, walker, or even wheelchair… I will be an inspirational speaker and author, as I *know* he will be as well. We’re both headed that way. Having approached it from rather different directions, we’re on branches of the same tree. I know a number of couples who support each other through their speaking and leadership journeys; to be a member of a dynamic team pushes me harder to pursue my own personal goals. At the very least, I will always have someone to fill in my CL (Competent Leadership) manual when/if I forget to bring it to a meeting!

Brain Food

After a year serving as a Club Coach, it finally appears that the club I am working with stands a shot of becoming distinguished this year. This means something amazing for me – distinguishing a club is my final achievement needed to obtain my ALS (Advanced Leader Silver) award. Combining this with my ACG (Advanced Communicator Gold) = DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster). Although this will be an incredible achievement for myself, I want it for them just as equally (possibly even more). Toastmasters International is SO much more than giving speeches: we communicate, we lead, we network, and we develop incredible friendships. My 3.5 years as a member of Toastmasters have been some of the most rewarding of my life.