TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
Subject:Toastmasters (was Re: Training in Speaking ) From:CarolAnne -dot- Wall -at- minnesotamutual -dot- com To:"TECHWR-L" <techwr-l -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com> Date:Tue, 15 Jan 2002 12:20:38 -0600
I've been in Toastmasters for 4 years now. I joined because I had great
difficulty speaking off the cuff. I'd be almost worthless in a meeting,
when asked a question. My best communication skills have always been
written skills, unless I was teaching. I've got a good teaching skill set.
I have seen marked improvement in my impromptu speaking over the years I've
been in Toastmasters. In every meeting, there's a section that is devoted
to off-the-cuff speaking -- Table Topics.
By doing evaluations, I've been able to improve my listening skills and
have learned how to give good, constructive feedback with examples and
suggestions. That's a good skill to have if I ever have a supervisory or
management position.
I've also had the chance to stretch my writing wings -- I'm in the middle
of my second year as our club's VP of Public Relations. I write a
newsletter for the club, and it won the top award at our District
Convention last spring (small brag).
Lastly, by giving speeches, my already strong teaching skills have
improved. I know how to use a Powerpoint presentation effectively -- my
audience never suffers through a Death-by-Powerpoint presentation.
If you are looking for a place to practice or learn new communication
skills, Toastmasters (www.toastmasters.org) is an excellent place to start.
Carol Anne
(Proud ATM-B/CL, and working towards the Silver level)
Carol Anne T. Wall, FLMI
Technical Writer - Individual Business Technology, Minnesota Life Insurance
Company
carolanne -dot- wall -at- minnesotamutual -dot- com
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Attention ForeHelp and Doc-to-Help Users! Upgrade your existing product to
RoboHelp for FREE, through January 15th. RoboHelp can import your existing
Help projects! Learn how else RoboHelp can benefit you. www.ehelp.com/techwr
---
You are currently subscribed to techwr-l as: archive -at- raycomm -dot- com
To unsubscribe send a blank email to leave-techwr-l-obscured -at- lists -dot- raycomm -dot- com
Send administrative questions to ejray -at- raycomm -dot- com -dot- Visit http://www.raycomm.com/techwhirl/ for more resources and info.
