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Use the F.O.R.D. formula for icebreaker speeches. Talk about your family, occupation, recreation, and dreams (why you joined Toastmasters).
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If in doubt don't. Leave any 'locker room' language and 'off color' humor at the gym, especially in a coed setting.
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People want to be entertained more than they want to be informed. Season your speeches with humor.
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A great speech has some humor, heart, head, and a heavy duty message for the listener to absorb.
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Never say no, when asked to fill-in for a function. Nothing beats experience, experience, experience.
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Be a cheerleader. Congratulate every speaker when they finish. Be lavish with your approbation.
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Use triads (3's). Three positives, three areas for improvement. Three points to ponder.
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Evaluate using a 'hero sandwich'. Begin with a few positives, mention a few areas to improve, and end with positives.
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Make one point in a five to seven minute speech. Repeat that point several times and illustrate the point with stories.
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Tell stories. A picture is worth a thousand words. But, a story is worth a thousand pictures.