It’s Not What You Sell; It’s How You Sell It
You’ve just thought up an innovative idea that you’re convinced is going to help move your nonprofit much closer to completing its mission. Shortly thereafter, you have a chance encounter with a key influencer in your organization. You see an opening and you start to discuss your idea, but somehow your brain and your mouth go in two separate directions. Verbally, you’re unfocused, you can’t organize your thoughts into coherent speech, every other word is an “um” or “ah.” You’ve just blown a great opportunity to sell your idea.
If you want to reduce the risk of that happening in the future, I highly recommend you seek out a nearby Toastmasters Club and go by and visit. Today is their 85th anniversary and the nonprofit has helped thousands of men and women become more effective speakers.
Toastmasters not only teaches you how to deliver more effective prepared speeches, it also trains you to think and talk on your feet in impromptu situations like the one above.
The American Cancer Society has an employee club in our headquarters in Atlanta, and you can set one up too. There are dozens of public clubs which might, however, come closer to meeting your needs. Simply go to Toastmasters.org, key in your ZIP code (or country if you’re outside the US, it’s international). The advantage to a public club is the networking opportunities it offers (hey, you could recruit some new volunteers) and the diversity. An older club is also likely to have experienced Toastmasters who are great mentors.
The price is right, too. Most likely your first year dues will be less than $100. There is a small one-time initiation fee, then membership dues can be paid twice a year. My club dues are $37.00 every six months. Your mileage may vary.
Toastmasters is also a volunteer organization. Chances are you’ll never meet an employee. So there are ample opportunities to expand your leadership skills in addition to improving your speaking.
Finally, it’s very motivational and frequently fun. I’ve been a member for five years and I cannot tell you how much I have learned, laughed, and been motivated.
Check it out. Perhaps the next time you have a chance encounter with someone important you’ll be able to communicate your idea like a professional speaker.
(You bet I’m on Twitter. txglennross)
