Signal to Noise Ratio

For this post-holiday post, I had planned to write a short recap of our public speaking series and to thank Roger Brown and Vince Stevenson for sharing their experience and insight. Then, I happened to read a blog entry of a presentation gone wrong – really wrong when the Twitter backchannel became too powerful. The signal to noise ratio went off the scale, and I started wondering if Toastmasters shouldn’t include “speaking in the age of social media” as an advanced manual. Then, stay with me here, I started thinking about some material for this blog I had received from my former boss and friend Charles Bourland and, finally, Dux Raymond Sy a.k.a. @meetdux, Tweeted about a PowerPoint add-on and it all started to make sense.

Several weeks ago, Charlie sent me a blog entry about his experience with a pioneering distance learning program at Western Michigan State University (WMSU) in the early 1990s. Charlie was somewhat of a pioneer in education as well, having owned and operated Computer Processing Institute in New England in the 1960s. I’ve been holding onto Charlie’s post until I can assemble a few other guest bloggers to talk about modern distance learning, but there’s one part of Charlie’s post that I found intriguing and that I need to reveal today. The system at WMSU incorporated a 10-key device that the students used for communicating to the instructor. Charlie says:

"…Now to the 10-key device, which to me was the real power of the setup. A student could hit a key saying she had a question; the computer could log her in and when the professor was ready to answer a question, he could select the student he wished, first-one-in or generally-most-interesting…

When I was in college, I was as shy as could be. I would hide behind the person in front of me so as to be invisible. With this system a student could hit a special key which would signal a professor “I don’t understand your point.” If enough students so signaled, the professor could go back and use a different approach to make his point."

If you read the Spectacle at Web2.0 Expo, you can see how communication from the audience, early on in Danah Boyd’s presentation might have helped since, apparently, people only wanted her to slow down. Her account invoked three emotions in me. First, I was angry with the audience for being so rude. What we say, regardless of the medium in which we say it, is a reflection of our personality – I wonder if these people realize that. Second, I was concerned that an accomplished speaker might stop sharing her valuable message. Reading the post to the end, I realized Ms Boyd plans to overcome this particular obstacle. Third, I started to be a little afraid; I speak in front of audiences, what if this happens to me? Well, the good news for me is I don’t speak that often and recent audiences have been kinder and gentler than the crowd at Web 2.0. But still, I wondered, how do we best deal with backchannel or static?

I posted a link to the Ms Boyd’s blog on the Toastmaster forum on LinkedIn and suggested that Toastmasters, the organization, should address this. Some private email I received is encouraging but the public discussion causes me to fear it will be a long process. Still, I’m encouraged; even if the organization doesn’t get a handle on this issue, Toastmasters, the individual members of the organization, will experiment with many techniques and share their experience.

Where does Dux fit in? Well, he re-Tweeted a link to a piece of software that you can add into PowerPoint that appears to be the modern day equivalent of Charlie’s 10-key device. The add-on, from Timo Elliot at SAP Web 2.0 lets the presenter follow the Twitter backchannel in his/her presentation. I downloaded this software earlier today and I am planning to use it in some “safe” presentations. Dux says he plans to use it in his next presentation. Dux is a dynamic speaker, well suited to the Web 2.0 crowd so I will follow his experience with this feature and try to benefit from his trailblazing.

There are many other methods for adding back-channel comments into your presentation and many reasons to avoid the attempt. I recommend reading: “10 Tools for Presenting with Twitter” by Olivia Mitchell, or “How speakers should integrate social media into presentations” by Jeremiah Owyang. Unfortunately, none of this software would have helped Ms Boyd. This software may be distracting to a single speaker and, as she pointed out early in her blog entry, the folks at Web 2.0 weren’t able to let her use her laptop during her speech – how forward thinking that was.

The College of Public Speaking

Before I start talking about the College of Public Speaking, I think it would be useful if I were to put a few historical items into context.

My name is Vince Stevenson and I come from an IT technical background and have worked with some of the largest companies in the world, especially in the banking sector. Then I moved into IT training with Sun Microsystems in London because it seemed to be a logical progression from the disciplines of Change Management, Configuration Management and Quality. Then about 10 years ago I moved into speaking and what an impact that had on me.

I joined my local speakers club and I was amazed by the number and high standard of speakers that the club produced. Because of my, ‘I want to be the best I can be’ nature, I needed to make large strides forward and quickly. So I also joined my local Toastmasters Club in Bromley and a speakers club in the City of London. Meeting only twice per month was not enough. I felt the need to speak once or twice a week at clubs, at least. My wife tells me that became quite obsessive about it.

The major benefit of membership was the quality of the feedback in my evaluations. I suddenly realised that there were many areas of technique that I could improve upon and I set sail on the CTM and its equivalents. I was totally hooked on speaking and my training delivery feedback jumped forwards incredibly quickly.

I could not get enough of speaking, delivering speeches and evaluations, general evaluations and then of course, developing into club management and making things happen for others. It was a cathartic experience, an experience that I’m very proud of, and an experience that I carry forward with my original speakers club in Bromley and in 2006, I founded Beckenham Speakers Club. I have been Area President, District Development Officer, District President and a member of the National Executive. In 2006/7 I had the pleasure of being one of the organisers of the UK National Conference. I have also had the privilege of winning all four individual trophies for club management, education and development that our District provides.

I am totally immersed in speaking and constantly thrilled by creating a warm and supportive educational setting where people can come along and develop their skills in front of an audience. I have been described as a speaker’s speaker… but enough about me.

In 2003/4 I was approached by some senior figures in the UK speaking world to see if I would be interested in participating in a venture that would be speaking/training related and would financially support the Speakers Trust, a charity dedicated to supporting communications development across all strands of society. It is not in my nature to pass on such a marvellous opportunity. Sadly, because my colleagues were scattered around the UK, regular face-to-face meetings were sparse and progress was slow. However, after evaluating several business opportunities, we decided upon the name the College of Public Speaking and in September 2006 we began trading. Our primary goal was to become the UK’s leading professional speaker development organisation. In this our fourth year of operation we have already worked with hundreds of students and we sponsor large speaking events like the College of Public Speaking Corporate Challenge. Next year we will also be sponsoring the Speaking Olympiad 2010.

So what’s the difference between speakers clubs and what we do at the College of Public Speaking? That is a very simple answer. As I have alluded to earlier, being a member of a speakers club is a great experience, but clubs usually only meet twice per month for two hours or so. Some clubs are large and have many members, which can for the novice speaker seem quite intimidating (although it really isn’t at all). What if you need to develop quickly in a short period of time? That cannot be achieved with a number of 1 to 2 minutes topics. That’s where the College of Public Speaking comes into its own.

Our courses and workshops are designed to support individuals and groups at a number of levels. Depending on the number in the group we can provide individual coaching, video replay and identify very quickly what works and what does not. Naturally, we utilise our experience gained throughout a thousand evaluations during the last 10 years at speakers clubs; our feedback is objective and supportive and people leave our courses having undertaken a thorough, rigorous and intensive grounding in speaking skills. The one thing the College of Public Speaking cannot offer is a large audience with whom you can practise. With continuous professional development in mind we offer to identify our clients’ local speaking club and ask them to sign up and go along regularly. Again, having the opportunity to practise in front of a supportive audience really boosts confidence and enhances skills.

Vivaldi was a prodigious composer and many musical pundits make the point that he had the privilege of a full time sponsored orchestra at his disposal for most of his creative life.
The College of Public Speaking continues its valuable work across sectors and is currently forging links with many charitable organisations in the UK, and helping their staff to become more effective at pitching their organisations to funders.

Toastmasters – Successful Public Speaking, Life Long Learning

At some point in your professional career you realize that the ability to communicate effectively is something you need help with. Your professional role will require you to stand and deliver an informative and perhaps persuasive presentation before a group of individuals – usually your customers. Although it might not be said directly to you, the possibilities of advancement and promotion will depend on your communication skills.

In my first job as an engineer I was fortunate to have many free “after-hours” or “before-hours” training courses offered or sponsored by my company’s HR department. One such training course was called Speechcraft – eight one-hour classes at a pace of one class per week. The moment had come. It was there in front of me. I signed up for the class.

There was no one “all knowing” instructor but rather it was a team effort. The Speechcraft course was being taught by several members of our company sponsored Toastmasters Club – the Early Birds. And yes this course was a before-hours course, starting at 7 AM, one hour before the start of a normal work day. So let’s stop and reflect: (1) I am not an early morning person. (2) I also believe many other employees are not early morning people. (3) The team of Early Bird Toastmasters was not getting paid to teach this course, why would they get up early? Let us just say we were all committed and determined.

I was determined to improve my communication skills. I thought at the time that taking eight sessions at the uncomfortable hour of 7 AM would properly vaccinate me in oral communications before large (or strange) groups and eliminate my fear of public speaking. The team of Toastmasters was committed. They were applying their acquired communication skills as instructors. Their role was to speak to inform.

The first two classes were filled with several presentations, given by the TM team, on the different technical and proper skills of effective communications. As students we had assignments. We were told that to complete the eight week course we would have to give two short speeches (4-6 minutes each) and two short evaluations. “So, who wants to give a speech next week?”

The first set of speeches and evaluations went amazingly well. In one hour, half of the class gave their 4 to 6 minute “Ice Breaker” speeches and the other half gave evaluations. It was the buddy system in action – next time the roles would be reversed.

It was interesting to listen to us all, the students, break ice by revealing something personal about their life. Most shared reasons for being in the Speechcraft class. Examples: (1) I want to go to the Town Meeting. I want to stand up and tell the town selectmen a thing or two. (2) I was a railroad engineer/conductor on the cog railroad that climbs Mt. Washington in New Hampshire. (3) My obituary – filled with many biographical facts, family, accomplishments, etc. Actually this was a very clever ice breaker. If he/she died delivering the speech, the family would have a ready made obit for the town newspaper.

The evaluations were given; each pointing out the good things and then something to work on or change. We were instructed to be supportive; to “Shine the light on the good parts and techniques”. Then to offer a suggestion – something to change or do differently and/or something that could be added.

Following his introduction by the Toastmaster (the emcee), one student made a slow and somewhat tentative approach to the lectern at the front of the room. He turned, faced the audience, grabbed onto the lectern with both hands, and proceeded to give his first speech. At first his lips moved but not a sound was heard. Then we heard his name. His knuckles were bright white – man and lectern were inseparable. His second sentence said that his boss made him do this and he couldn’t think of anything else to say. Then he let go of the lectern, mumbled something and returned to his seat. The audience applauded. The Toastmaster gave him words of encouragement. His evaluator now had a tough assignment but talked about courage and taking that first step towards confidence in public speaking.

Yes, you probably guessed it. When that same speaker gave his second speech he talked for his allotted time and then some. The supportive and encouraging environment of a Speechcraft class worked.

The process of Speechcraft does work. Students get to practice and grow before a supportive audience in a non-threatening environment. Nobody in our group lost their job nor damaged their professional image. We came together as strangers, worked together, and graduated as friends.

Actually, I flunked Speechcraft. That is, I failed to complete the requirements as I needed to give one more speech before I could receive my Speechcraft graduation certificate. Fortunately this became a defining moment for me. One of the Toastmasters came over to me and said “Come to our Toastmasters Club meeting. You can give that second speech there and we will award your certificate.” I said “okay, when?” He said “7 AM next Wednesday.” Right, it had to early for the Early Birds.

I attended my first Toastmasters meeting and once again I was treated to a warm and supportive environment. They weren’t crazy at 7 AM but definitely committed. I gave my speech, received my certificate, and was asked to join Toastmasters. That was 31 years ago and I am still a member today!

Toastmaster Clubs exist and meet in many corporations as their management sees the value of Toastmasters. Toastmaster Clubs also exist and meet in many large communities (most at a more reasonable evening hour). Anybody who wants to be an effective communicator, wants to be more comfortable and confident when speaking before large groups (beyond one on one) can seek out a Speechcraft program or a Toastmasters Club and join Toastmasters International.

Toastmasters International is a non-profit educational organization. They provide the framework and the educational resources. The members take on the roles of both teacher and student. It is a Do It Yourself (DIY) type of program. It is self -paced. It is inexpensive and suitable for life long learning.

Future blogs will cover the frameworks and resources. Starting with the first basic manual with 10 speech projects. Each project focuses on a basic attribute of an effective and successful speech. After the basics we can explore the advanced communication manuals (12 manuals). Each manual deals with a different special situation, e.g. Speeches by Management, Public Relations, Sales, Technical Presentations, Entertaining and Humorous speaking, and more!

Public Speaking - Introduction

In 1979, I was working as a Systems Analyst for Airborne Freight. A few months into a major new system design effort, I had to make a presentation to senior management. I knew about the presentation in advance, I had plenty of time to prepare my remarks and worry about potential questions. The day arrived and I gave my presentation. Afterwards, my boss took me aside and said: “You were really prepared for that meeting; it’s too bad none of the attendees know that!”

It was well deserved and expected criticism – my presentation was a disaster. I did know what I was talking about but I didn’t think about what they (the company President and Executive VPs) wanted to hear. My education in chemistry and business had done little to prepare me for that meeting and my fear of public speaking overwhelmed my ability to think on my feet. Sadly, the only thing my boss liked about my presentation was that I answered one question by saying “I don’t know” – he was impressed that I didn’t try to make something up on the fly.

The next thing that happened was not at all expected. My boss tore an announcement for an upcoming meeting of Seattle Toastmasters out of the paper, handed it to me and said: “go to this meeting, join this club and stay in it until you get your CTM!” Fearing the loss of my job, I followed his advice. Several months later when I had another opportunity to once again speak in front of that tribunal, I had already made noticeable progress.

It has been reported that most people fear public speaking more than they fear death. Even if that’s an exaggeration, we have all witnessed and perhaps given presentations like the one I gave 30 years ago. And while we might feel like we can hide behind technology (a.k.a. PowerPoint), my experience is that PowerPoint gives bad speakers a chance to look even worse. Learning how to speak in front of an audience, any audience, is an essential life lesson. It’s not just for business; I have a friend who was asked recently to offer remarks at a memorial service for a friend who passed away. Any of us can be thrust onto the stage.

Fortunately, there are organizations to support us in this task. Toastmasters, the path I “chose” is one option and there are a variety of educational institutions that specialize in public speaking education. Over the next few weeks, we’re going to hear from two guests that are going to help us better understand these educational opportunities. First, Roger Brown is going to tell us more about the non-profit educational organization called Toastmasters. Roger's formal education is electrical engineering and, early on, he too was unprepared to make a good presentation. Today, Roger is an active and avid Toastmaster; a member of two community based Toastmaster clubs in Hartford and West Hartford Connecticut. Roger applies his communication and leadership skills as a member of the faculty at Rensselaer (RPI) at the Hartford campus.

Roger will discuss the benefits of the Toastmasters Communication & Leadership Programs that take members step-by-step ... from being a person hesitant to speak before an audience ... to a person who can comfortably participate in any speaking situation with confidence and assurance. Toastmasters International celebrates its 85th Anniversary this year and now has nearly 250,000 members in more than 12,500 clubs in 106 countries, offering a proven – and enjoyable! – way to practice and hone communication and leadership skills. Find a club near you, today.

After we hear about Toastmasters, Vince Stevenson will join us to talk about formal education specifically targeting public speaking. Vince is the founder of the College of Public Speaking in London England. The College of Public Speaking sponsors the Speakers Trust, a charity designed to encourage effective communication skills throughout all strands of society.
I’m looking forward to hearing what these two experts have to offer on this most important subject. Join us next week as we begin the debate.