Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with toastmasters

What organizations should I join in the Boston Metro area to improve my networking?

IzzeYum — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 09:20:23 -0800

What organizations should I join in the Boston Metro area to improve my networking? Living a bit south of Boston so thinking of joining some organizations for networking reasons as well as to meet people. South as far as Weymouth, West as far as Newton, but probably not farther north than Cambridge/Boston. So far have thought of the Masons, whom I worried would all be old but looking at some lodge photos that doesn't appear to be the case, and Toastmasters (I enjoy speaking but feel as if I could improve my content and practice never hurts). What organizations am I missing?

Important data: Married so letting women in or having a sister organization is a bonus, 35, professional, possibly interested in going into politics sometime in the next couple years (local/state office first).

Give me something to talk about!

unexpected — Wed, 09 May 2007 12:43:38 -0800

[GraduationSpeechFilter] I'm scheduled to give an end-of-year speech to a group of high schoolers. Help me plan what to say! The organizers want me to speak because I've recently graduated college and can maybe impart some "useful" wisdom as to someone much older. They asked me to do this last year, and I gave a speech about following your passions.

Several of the students will have heard me speak last year, and I'd like to not repeat the same speech again. Every time I try to come up with something new, it sounds really similar to what I spoke about last year.

I'd like some fresh ideas on what to talk about. What do you guys wish you would have learned in high school that would have helped you later on? What would you go back and change? Any humorous anecdotes that might be speech-worthy (pg rated)?

My speaking style tends to lean towards optimistic light-hearted, and funny, so dramatic build-ups and serious presidential gravitas aren't my thing. If you have something that skews that way though, maybe I can wrap it in a funny story. Ideally, I'd give a speech that'd really empathize with the students, rather than come off as an old fart (which, even though it's only a 5-7 year age difference, seems to be readily apparent, oy).

Thoughts on Toastmasters?

By The Grace of God — Mon, 02 Apr 2007 06:54:20 -0800

Should I join Toastmasters? Is Toastmasters worth it? My idle googlefinger has unearthed a local club within easy walking distance. It's 2 Tuesday evenings a month and seems to have homework.

I am a busy activist who will be shortly working a full time job as well. I absolutely adore public speaking and am very good at it according to other people. Public speaking is a big part of my activist work, and increased communication skills will benefit all parts of my life.

I'm looking to increase my consistency, clarity, and persuasiveness and to find and develop my own style. I'm looking to increase my capability of remembering facts, figures, and arguments without notes. Will Toastmasters do this?

Comments from people who've participated in Toastmasters would be especially appreciated.

Where to have a small social banquet in Center City Philadelphia?

drkrdglo — Fri, 22 Sep 2006 15:34:03 -0800

PhiladelphiaSocialFilter: What are my organization's choices for a decent place to have a banquet with good food and a decent social atmosphere? I'm organizing a banquet for my Toastmasters organization. We are looking for a place in Center City Philadelphia (we need easy access from public transit) that will be able to accomodate at least 20 people in some sort of secluded area (that will allow us to converse). We want a good social area (dancing, maybe) and good food. We are looking to spend anywhere from $40-$60/person.

In the past we've gone to Maggiano's, The Olive Garden, and The Melting Pot. We are looking for a better social atmosphere this time. Any suggestions?

How many words in a four-to-six minute speech?

timeistight — Sun, 31 Jul 2005 18:08:44 -0800

How many words in a four-to-six minute speech?