The Seven Strategies of Master Presenters - Lifecycle Performance ...

246 / THE SEVEN STRATEGIES OF MASTER PRESENTERS
David: As a longtime Toastmaster, I have enjoyed a many mentoring
relationships. At least once a week someone phones me to
ask questions about speaking. I answer every one, because to
teach is to learn twice. I find as I explain to others, sometimes
the answer becomes clearer to me. I also always caution those
who seek my help: “Just because I say it’s so, doesn’t mean
it’s so.” And I encourage mentees to think for themselves
after having picked through the advice I’ve offered.
How do you find a mentor? Look for someone whose skills or experiences
correspond to your needs. For example, if you need assistance in
developing a great opening, seek a mentor who begins presentations with
dynamic beginnings. Then ask that person if they will be willing to help.
Not everyone will say yes, but most will, because most people are honored
that you thought enough of them to ask for their advice.
David: I am proud of the fact that I coached Mark Brown as he
prepared for the 1995 Toastmasters World Championship
of Public Speaking. Mark was the quintessential student.
He was eager to learn and a good listener, but more importantly,
he was a good questioner. I watched with pride as he
went from a good questioner to a good thinker. By the end
of our mentoring sessions, he was a well-reasoned decisionmaker
and had learned to teach himself. So as he stood on
the stage in 1995 holding the World Championship trophy, I
was every bit as proud of him as I was when I won the title.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Six years later, Mark
mentored Darren LaCroix as he prepared for the 2001 World
Championship. When Darren stood on the stage as World
Champion, I felt that same sense of pride all over again, for
the student had become the teacher.
3. Learn From Coaches
In the development phase, it was probably the additional training that I had
taken along the way, theatre school, modeling, voice coaching, Toastmasters,
and I had done a fair amount of professional theatre. It all helped in stage
blocking and movement, in learning to fill a room, of creating a more powerful
presence. The various coaches I have used for speaking have been tremendously
helpful, at least when I could accept their feedback! Speaking is a
performing art, where one constantly needs to improve, clarify, and enhance.
—Janet Lapp