How do you say that?

Last year, I joined a Toastmaster's specialty club called Love of Laughter Comedy Club. I could have joined a traditional Toastmaster's group, but I like to laugh, and I think I'm funny, so I figured, "Why not?"

After paying my semi-annual dues of $35 plus $20 for my manuals, I received the tools to help me achieve my credentials as a competent communicator (CC) and competent leadership (CL). It was time for my first speech. It was all about me! Easy. I can say anything I want, because who knows me better than me? One down, and nine to go.

For every speech in the manual, Toastmasters challenges you to take another step; i.e. improving your grammar, using humor, telling a story, using voice inflection, and giving presentations. Preparation is the key to your success. Members evaluate your speeches always offering praise for your success and suggestions for improvement.

To date, I have finished 7 of 10 required speeches, and I expect to complete them by June 2011. I am also working on my competent leadership manual which means I help out a meetings, emcee, count laughs (traditional clubs count the number of "ums" and "ahs"), or serve as a mentor to a new member.

Toastmasters wants to make all of us competent communicators and leaders. Members come from a broad cross-section of professionals, students and throughout the world. Currently Wisconsin has 100 clubs. There are 17 clubs just in Milwaukee. And if you happen to travel, say to Poland, you can find 9 clubs. Or how about Japan? They have 106 clubs.

The amazing thing is that as a member you are always learning. Not just by doing, but also by observing. Here are some tips from the website at Toastmasters.org:

Tips for Better Knowing Your Audience

~ Learn about your audience before you speak. Ask questions, meet them informally, use polls, surveys and questionnaires. Google “online survey service” to find companies that will help you set up Web surveys.

~ Meet your audience members on the way into the room. Chat with them one-on-one and in small groups to learn more about them and identify commonalities.

~ Use the technique of “Call and Response” to engage and include your audience. “How many of you have children? (Wait for response.) How many of you are children?” (Wait for laughter!)

~ Include your audience through generous eye contact that shows you see them as individuals.

~ Speak to an audience member in the front, the middle and the back; speak to people on the left, the right and in the center. Vary where you direct your remarks.

~ Remember, the shortest distance between people is often a smile. When you smile at someone, they should smile back.

~ If you’re from out of town, reference something local about the town, region or state.

~ Topical references often connect you with your audience. Reference, for example, the local weather (which we all experience), the traffic jam on the way to the program, a recent event or other common experience. But be careful to reference something that’s truly universal within your audience.

~ Remember, you’re not a speaker without an audience. They are the most valuable people in the room. Speaking is a collaborative experience. Share the spotlight with them and they’ll respond appreciatively!

Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people improve their communication and leadership skills.

The mission of a Toastmasters Club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every member has the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth.

Love of Laughter meets the 1st & 3rd Thursday from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM at the Goodwill Service Center located at 1400 Nike Dr, Waukesha, WI 53186 (left off of Main Street).