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.
David asked:
<My hope was to several things out of toastmasters. First, I
understand that it is directed at improving one's speaking abilities. But
what exactly does that mean? I would like to learn how to better organized
my talks, how to present them in a more dynamic manner, how to relax and
not
be so nervous. Are these the things that one gets from joining?>
I would say an enthusiastic "yes!" to all your questions. Each speech you
present from the various Toastmasters manuals has one specific area of
focus: organization, gestures, keeping your language simple, using props,
etc. As you prepare your speech, you focus on improving that skill. I
think you learn to be less nervous just by getting up in front of people on
a continuing basis. You can also learn by watching other members of your
club give speeches and listening to their evaluations. I've picked up
many pointers that way.
As far as how it helps my **technical writing**, I don't see a big impact.
But 97% of my work is writing functional specifications and I've had a
method to my madness for years. ;^) I **have** seen an improvement in
my organization for non-technical writing projects -- newsletters, term
papers, detailed email. Maybe others can address impact on technical
writing?
Carol Anne
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.
