Westside Toastmasters is located in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, California

5 Learn How to Think Like the Experts

Become a student of the world's best presenters. We can study the world's best presenters by listening to their audios, viewing their videotapes, watching them on television, in movies, and, wherever possible, by observing them in person. Winston Churchill became one of the most masterful presenters of the 20th century. However, he was not a "naturally gifted" speaker. In fact, as a child, he stuttered badly. Yet he became one of the world's greatest orators. The stories of how Churchill, Gandhi, John Kennedy, Barbara Jordan, and Barbara Coloroso came to understand and apply skills of other very proficient presenters makes fascinating study and demonstrates that none of the eminent speakers who we might choose to emulate were "born speakers." Each had to work at it, just like master chess players or golf pros. To become a highly competent presenter, we must learn from the experts. You can begin by researching excellent presenters on the Internet, in videos and podcasts, on DVDs, in books, in movies, and through in-person or telephone interviews.

EXERCISE 8-1

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As shown below, make three columns. In the first column, list the names of several expert presenters and influencers you would like to know more about. In the second column, list what you would like to learn. For example, how they accomplished what they did and the strategies, skills, and methods they used to achieve their results. In the third column, list the resources you will use to research the expert(s) you have chosen. For example, you might want to learn more about powerful beginnings, storytelling, and the use of vocal variety. Some examples of the resources you could use are: the Internet, library, audiotapes, and/or videotapes of presentations and books of effective presentation skills.

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