Be a better speaker

I’m horrible at both. I was always better at Math & Science. This is probably the most important thing to over come. I’m horrible with job interviews, telling stories and explaining what I really mean. And it is very difficult to have a boyfriend who is so knowledgeable of both grammar and spelling. In fact just the other day we were having a conversation about what we are good/bad at and I said “I’m horrible at spelling.. I’m glad I have spell check on the computer..” He says.. “and grammar.. you are horrible at that too” He wasn’t trying to hurt my feelings.. but he did. I’m too old to have awful grammar! I spell checked this entry =]

I never was a good speaker. I could write everything and about everything, but when it comes to say something I’m not producing anything but a verbal diarrhea. I start to stutter, then I’m loosing track of what I want to say, get out of breath and start to blush terribly, which is only making things worse. And this happens already when I have to say something to two or more persons…
So I have to look up literature on this subject, read and practise regularly. In 9 weeks I start working again and I want to be able to actively participate in those meetings we have. That’s a good place to practise.

I mentioned to my boss the other day that I was an INTJ on the Myers-Briggs continuum. He said, “Ah, the means you’re smart, but you can’t explain things well.” I don’t know about the smarts, but the other part seems true…

I don’t have many problems speaking or presenting material I’m familiar with, but I’d like to become better at explaining complicated stories or procedures in informal settings. I’m not as good in “off the cuff” situations and could use some improvement in conversational settings.

well i guess i’ve improved a bit, since i’ve done a few formations and presentations for work, the “worse” being in front of 20 persons. i guess that if you know your subject well, it goes fine.

I think the key is to think about what you are going to say before you speak

I think I just need practice—some people are such naturals at this… sigh…

i joined toastmasters 375 last year and can’t say enough good things about it.