I joined Toastmasters
International back in 2003 and grew a lot as a public speaker. I've
joined contests--and won a few of them--, made numerous
presentations, conducted seminars, and been sought after as a speech
trainer and adviser. So, what is a Toastmaster doing trying to
develop himself as a writer?
Looking back in history,
the idea that I may make it as a writer actually started early in my
years as a Toastmaster. After delivering one of my basic speeches, my
evaluator commented that I had the makings of a good storyteller. Of
course, the thought of becoming a writer had not occurred to me back
then. I was totally focused on developing as a speaker and even
thought of becoming a paid speaker by conducting seminars and
training others in public speaking. In retrospect, continuing with
Toastmasters was the right thing to do for my future as a writer and
here's why:
Some of what I've learned
in Toastmasters actually apply to writing. The very first thing new
Toastmasters learn about public speaking is that your speech must
have an opening, a body, and a conclusion. In your first speech,
that's all they really tell you. As you progress through your
training, you learn techniques on how to create good,
attention-getting openings; how to make transitions between points
in the body of your speech; and make memorable, motivating, and
inspiring conclusions. The same can also apply to writing. In fact,
if you think about it, a speech usually starts in written form before
it is delivered orally.
Another learning is that
you should avoid using jargon. Jargon is a language used by a group
or profession. So, doctors have a jargon all their own, as do
lawyers. If you're speaking in front of office-mates, you can get
away with using your company's jargon. But if you're delivering a
speech to a mixed group, use common or simple words. The same advice
works for writing.
Staying with words, one of
the best advice I've ever received is to try to experiment with using
different words from the one you originally thought of using. In one
speech, I used the word “audacious” instead of “brave” and
made the speech that one little bit better. Be careful, however, of
using too many uncommon words else your audience or readers will
focus on wondering what the words mean instead of understanding the
message or hearing the story.
Speaking styles vary
widely. Some people like to speak in an oratorical manner, while
others prefer to use a more conversational tone. Both styles have
their place. Most writers use the conversational tone but even
oratorical writing can be a good read. The Gettysburg Address is an
inspiring speech whether you hear it or read it.
So, in terms of writing
skills, I'd say Toastmasters gave a lot to me. But skills alone don't make
a writer. You have to want-to-be a writer. So, what was it that got
me into this thing?
I would have to say that
it's the reach. When I'm talking to a roomful of people or an
auditorium or function room filled with 200 to 400 people, that's how
many people I'm reaching with my words. With writing, it's
potentially a lot more, much more if I do it right. Of course, you
can reach a lot of people with public speaking too, if you're always
on the speaking circuit.
I haven't quite given up
on public speaking. Speaking and writing are two different things but
they both give me a different kind of lift and they can even
complement each other. I've tasted public speaking so I guess, I need
to give my writing a chance to grow as well.
