| Journal: TWUK | Section: |
| Title: | Issue Date: 05/06/00 |
| Author: | Page Number: 10 |
| Copyright: Other |
Make your audience look at who’s talking
Travel Weekly editor Jeremy Skidmore’s perceptive and witty remarks about the relative merits of the presentations made by Stig Albeck, on the one hand, and Richard Carrick and John Lennon on the other, highlighted an important fact that is understood by too few (Travel Weekly May 29).The ability to present a subject in an interesting and vibrant way has far less to do with the presenter’s knowledge of the subject than it has to do with the presenter’s ability to speak effectively in public.
This undeniable truth is demonstrated daily by politicians, most of whom are very good speakers, but who, by definition, have little in-depth knowledge of any of the topics about which they speak.
Like any skill, public speaking can be imparted by proper training and those who need to make presentations should invest in that training before they set foot on a stage.
Those who, for whatever reason, feel that a training course is not applicable should consider joining a speaking club and some of the very best are associated with Toastmasters International (www.toastmasters.org).
The Toastmasters programme includes a comprehensive training manual and members can develop a high level of public speaking skill. A list of clubs is published on their Web site.
So, if it’s your turn to make a speech – get trained – you owe it you the rest of us who have to listen to you!
Richard English
Retraining
Reigate
Surrey