Yesterday, I visited my Toastmasters club and listened to six impromptu and three prepared speeches. I chose to sit at the back of the room so that, if I got bored, I could peek at my phone for some intellectual or visual stimulation.
Here’s an honest reflection on what I noticed about the speakers and how I felt as an audience member.
Moments When I Got Bored
The speaker’s voice was too quiet, making it hard to hear.
A monotonous delivery drained energy from the room.
Speaking too fast without a clear structure left me lost.
When the speaker relied heavily on notes, it felt like reading a report rather than sharing a message.
Moments When I Really Enjoyed Listening
One speaker began his speech with a deep, intimate question that I could relate to. It felt like he was speaking directly to me, creating an amazing connection.
Clever, well-timed jokes brought a lot of energy to the room.
What Stood Out: Body Language
Body language speaks louder than words and can reveal a lot about a speaker:
One speaker had a lifted shoulder and hunched back, which made him appear tense and uneven.
The Toastmaster of the evening hugged presenters, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
Some speakers looked very serious throughout, which made their talks feel heavy. A gentle smile can make a big difference in engaging the audience.
Key Takeaways for Speakers
1. Speak audibly and with vocal variety.
2. Limit reliance on notes—connect with the audience instead of reading a script.
3. Use relaxed posture and friendly gestures to create warmth.
4. Opening with a relatable question or story can instantly capture attention.
I’d love to hear from you—what interesting things do you notice when people speak?
Warmly
Olga Smith
www.batcsglobal.com