This week, I am seeking your help, fellow trainers: I have no answers – only questions. One of the world’s premiere communications and leadership training organisations is Toastmasters – and it’s no secret that I am a member of (and often a cheerleader for) that organisation. It was, for many years, primarily about making better…
A monster that causes earthquakes across Asia, a bridge the snaps the back of the mythical creature, a temple to say sorry, and a covered walkway to bring together two cultures – Hoi An’s Japanese Bridge has it all! Hoi An is in the centre of Vietnam – in the Quang Nam province – it was, for…
“Why am I doing this? What am I doing? What am I supposed to say? Oh good grief, what possessed me to say yes?” I suspect every new speaker faces these sentiments (or something like them) the first time they accept an invitation to speak in public. But the answers, in fact, are in the…
Over the past couple of weeks we have been looking at Trainer’s Toolkits and what’s in them – and I asked some of my Toastmasters colleagues what tools they consider essential. Here’s a suggestion from one member, based in Mexico. For ice-breaker exercises, divide participants up into three or four groups, using something like “preferred…
The Margaret River – Augusta region of Western Australia is home to some of the country’s best wineries, some of the most rugged coastlines (including Cape Leeuwin with its century-old lighthouse), some of the most amazing trees (Karri pines – mighty eucalyptus that can grow up to 90 metres tall) – and some of the…
There’s little doubt that travelling for pleasure on cruise ships is one of the fastest growing sectors of the tourist market both in Australia and overseas. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, more than 1 in 20 Aussies have taken a cruise – and 1.3 million cruises were taken by Australians in 2017, according…
Presentation coaches are often asked “Should I try to memorize a speech, or should I just go with an outline?” The answer, I am afraid, is “that depends”. Memorizing If you are delivering a speech in a public speaking competition, for example, you might want to memorize it – so that you get…
