Seating was close to capacity one Saturday evening for the Vancouver Institute Lecture series at the University of British Columbia, when a white-haired gentleman pointed to an empty seat beside him where I could sit. It was Dr. Ralph Yorsh. He engaged me in conversation about Toastmasters. Any hesitation I had didn’t have a chance. I was flattered when he offered to be my mentor.
I’ve been a member of the Cloverleaf club going on five years now. Ralph draws on his tremendous experience to deliver surprising speeches spontaneously, with great presence of mind and, not infrequently, mischievous wit. Ralph is a mentor to everyone in our club, and is tremendously appreciated.
Yorsh recommends the following:
- Record your speech and listen to it.
- Stay in one place while speaking.
- Keep your hands at your sides to make any gestures more effective.
- Speak about what you know.
- Speak clearly right to the end of each sentence.
- Seek or, if necessary, create opportunities to speak outside of the club.
- Don’t give up on Toastmasters; it offers a lifetime of learning.