20th July 2022: This was my final speech for Level 1. I was looking forward to moving up the ladder to explore the structured approach to public speaking. Toastmasters is not everyone’s cup of tea, many find it too rigid.
For me what works is the structure, the meeting format, the Club rules, the roles of the facilitators. I love the format and ability to get creative in this space. It allows for freedom to explore from my unique way of sharing my content,
My evaluation was to be sharing my speech taking into account the previous evaluation and feedback.
I chose to share about the book ‘The Secret’ . I wasn’t really sure how the law of attraction worked for some people but didn’t for others. I did some research, found opposing views, and then drafted my speech.
Recalling the feedback, I prepared my speech to be simple, interactive and clear on the call to action.
While I wrote the speech, I began to realise the change that was happening internally. Previously, I would write with the reader in mind, the focus was on creating a descriptive, detailed, and vivid content.
As I discovered the many nuanced differences in writing for a speech and writing for a book, I began to focus on what my audience would be interested to hear.
The words were more listener-friendly rather than reader-friendly.
I did decide on the topic just few days before the speech, drafted and redrafted it based on how I felt comfortable delivering it. I said the words out loud, and if they were clunky, or complicated, I rewrote them. Sharp memorable metaphors helped me to get the message across, a quote, and then a story made the difference. The delivery, of course, is key to capture the audience’s attention. I was friendly, interactive, asked questions. It felt good.
I was confident, I spoke to the audience to entertain, and to deliver a message. It felt right, I felt aligned and comfortable. The initial thudding heart, nerves were all there, but they didn’t stop me from delivering my best speech yet!
Looking forward to Level 2 where I will deliver 3 speeches, and discover my ‘leadership’ style.
Shobha Nihalani: Meanderings 
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