Talking Tips

Toastmaster Sylvia Nilsson-Barkman was our guest speaker at Rotary today, sharing her expertise on introducing a presenter as well as constructing a good elevator speech.   In both cases Barkman says the most important thing is having an opening, body and a close. 

 

When introducing a guest speaker, the Toastmaster had these tips for the opening, body and closing:

The introduction should be a minute or two in length, never longer than four minutes. 

*The opening should contain appealing comments that link the audience and speaker.

*The body should build credibility and set the stage for the speaker.

*The closing should present the speaker to the audience and give them the floor. 

 

The elevator speech follows the same format, with these guidelines:

The speech should be roughly one minute but depending on the elevator (situation) it might need to be shorter or a little longer.

*The opening should outline who you are and what you do.

*The body should let someone know what you offer and why it’s important

*The closing should include an invitation

 

 

Barkman’s timing at our club pairs well with a recent issue of the Rotarian which features this article on public speaking. 

 

A big thank you to our guest speaker today for the excellent information that we’ll all be able to put to use!

 

If you’re interested in improving your public speaking click this link to learn more about our local Toastmasters.