Recently, we came across NC State’s Spring 2023 commencement speech, and as Toastmasters members, we were struck by the exceptional speech-giving techniques displayed. Let’s dive into some skills this speech showcased, all of which we practice at Toastmasters.

Key Techniques Observed:

1. Personal Anecdote: One of the most effective ways to engage an audience is through a personal story. The speaker’s narrative about redefining her identity was captivating and allowed listeners to connect emotionally.

2. Clarity of Message: A well-defined central theme ensures your message resonates. In this case, the distinction between ‘doing’ and ‘being’ was clear and reiterated effectively, making it memorable.

3. Audience Engagement: By acknowledging the diverse experiences of the graduates, the speaker made the audience feel seen and valued, an excellent strategy to maintain interest and rapport.

4. Call to Action: The most impactful speeches often leave the audience with a task or thought. The urge to appreciate intrinsic qualities was a compelling take-home message, prompting introspection.

5. Effective Pacing: Balancing humor with deeper reflections, the speaker maintained a dynamic rhythm, ensuring sustained attention throughout.

Attending Toastmasters not only hones your speaking skills but also teaches you to recognize and appreciate such techniques in others’ presentations. This speech is a prime example of how effective communication can deeply move an audience and leave a lasting impression.

For those aspiring to improve their public speaking, studying such exemplar speeches and practicing at Toastmasters can be invaluable.

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Would you like to find out more about how Toastmasters can help you become a more effective speaker? Come visit our club!

Here is the programme for the meeting of September 19, 2023.

Aimeriez-vous améliorer votre capacité de vous exprimer en public, ou de devenir un meilleur leader? Venez visiter le club Saint-Lawrence Toastmasters à Montréal pour voir comment Toastmasters peut vous aider à atteindre vos objectifs.

Voici le programme pour la réunion du 12 septembre 2023.

After a well-deserved and relaxing summer break, our weekly Toastmasters meetings will resume on Tuesday September 5, 2023.

Are you interested in improving your speaking abilities? Would you like to be able to express yourself more effectively and become a stronger leader?

Come visit the Saint-Lawrence Toastmasters Club in downtown Montreal and find out how we do it!

Here is the programme for the meeting of September 5, 2023.

Les vacances d’été tirent à leur fin, et le Club St-Lawrence Toastmasters à Montréal vous souhaite un bon retour!

C’est le mardi 5 septembre 2023 que nous reprendrons nos réunions hebdomadaires.

Toastmasters peut-il vous aider à vous exprimer plus efficacement en public ou à devenir un leader plus compétent? Oui ! En vous aidant à identifier et à renforcer les habiletés que vous avez déjà, et en vous aidant à développer et à améliorer les autres.

Toastmasters vous permettra notamment d’apprendre à donner des discours bien structurés, inspirants, et même émouvants.

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Voulez-vous en savoir plus sur Toastmasters? Venez visiter notre club, situé au centre-ville de Montréal près du marché Atwater.

Voici le programme pour la réunion du club St. Lawrence Toastmasters du 5 septembre 2023.

Please note that our last meeting before the summer break will be on June 20, 2023.

Then we will reconvene starting on September 5, 2023.

Interested in attending our last meeting? (It will be a slightly different format from our regular meetings)
Feel free to come visit us. Here is the programme for the St-Lawrence Toastmasters meeting of June 20, 2023.

RAPPEL – REMINDER

IMPORTANT – CETTE SEMAINE
Notre réunion du mardi 13 juin
est remise au MERCREDI 14 juin.

IMPORTANT – THIS WEEK
The meeting of Tuesday, June 13
has been moved to WEDNESDAY, June 14.

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Voici le programme pour la réunion Toastmasters du mercredi 14 juin 2023.

Veuillez noter que la dernière réunion avant notre pause d’été aura lieu le 20 juin 2023.

(Donc en date du 30 mai 2023, il reste encore quatre réunions.)

Voici le programme pour la réunion Toastmasters du 30 mai 2023.

Venez découvrir comment Toastmasters peut vous aider à améliorer vos compétences en communication et à devenir un leader plus affirmé.

Visitez le Club Saint-Lawrence Toastmasters à Montréal.

Voici le programme de la réunion du 23 mai 2023.

The following is an interesting video for anyone who is looking for feedback for the purpose of improving their communication skills. It stresses on the fact that (1) getting feedback does not equate to a personal attack, and (2) you need to be in the proper environment so that you can be in the right space and the right frame of mind to accept and receive feedback. Toastmasters is exactly this sort of environment.

Would you like to find out more about how Toastmasters can help you receive (and give) constructive feedback to help you become a more competent communicator and leader? Feel free to come visit us.

Here is the programme for the Toastmasters meeting of May 16, 2023.