Free web-based timer for online virtual live Toastmasters meetings

Ever since states and countries became locked down due to the Coronavirus, Toastmasters clubs have been forced to move their meetings to an online, virtual live setting. At the George Sutton Toastmasters club, we too have adopted the online meeting system, Zoom, which has worked well for our situation.

The one problem: How do you effectively fulfill the role of Timer in a virtual live environment?

Colored Paper for Timing Toastmasters Speeches

We’ve tried everything. Green pieces of paper, then yellow, then red. Just hold them up in front of the camera eye when the stopwatch on your phone signals… Read Full Post »

At a recent Toastmasters meeting, one of our evaluators made the comment that most of us struggle with Pommel Horse position when speaking while using a lectern. In a world where we are encouraged to never present from behind a lectern, there are times when you won’t have a choice. The microphone might be attached to a lectern at the front of the speaking room and you are assigned to speak from there. Proper practice presenting with a lectern is crucial toward your success as a presenter.

So, let’s start first with the problem: Pommel Horse Position while speaking. Here’s… Read Full Post »

Communication skills image of phone with woman

On the George Sutton Toastmasters website, we’re always talking about tips for better public speaking. The first thing that comes to mind when you think of the phrase “public speaking” is probably standing in front of a group of people and giving a speech.

But, public speaking is just one component of an overall skill known as good communication.

Being an active member of a quality Toastmasters club will help you improve all aspects of communication far beyond only getting in front of a group of people and speaking.

If you’re thinking development of communication skills is a rather outdated… Read Full Post »

There’s no reason your company needs presenters this bad. Find a local Toastmasters club and make it a mandatory weekly training event for your staff.

gstm-officer-steved-200wA guest post by George Sutton Toastmasters Member, Steve Doherty…

One of life’s great paradoxes is that so many people find selling distasteful yet virtually all of us sell to survive and succeed.There isn’t ONE position in life, either personal or professional, where communication and selling skills are not a critical component of success.

In fact, I would venture to say that the vast majority of our lives we spend “selling” via trying to influence our kids, convince our co-workers, influence a client, buying a home or car, lead our professional teams, lead our Boy Scout troop, convince our spouses,… Read Full Post »