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

A Quick Fix for Imminent Engagements

To guard against being boring, add variety to your next speech. Here is a quick list of things you can add without much trouble—things you should add to ensure that your next speech will be livelier than your last.

  • Put at least two rhetorical questions in your speech. Your voice will naturally rise when you come to them.

  • Insert at least one dramatic pause. This device builds your power, for nothing captures the audience's attention like silence.

  • Vary your speed. If you tend to speak quickly, slow down at least three times during your presentation; if you speak slowly, speed up at least three times.

  • Change your voice and your attitude just before your conclusion.

  • Combine an interesting variety of voice inflections within your speech to involve your audience. The next chapter goes into meeting those needs in detail. Adding variety to your voice is important in general communication as well. Colleagues will listen more closely when you color your words to give emphasis to your important points.


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