I like Kathleen Parker, the Washington Post columnist, but she is not a good speaker. She was interviewed on CNN’s John King’s USA program just prior to the president’s State of the Union speech. In that interview she used the words “you know” at least five times. The interview lasted about three minutes. Compare her speaking skills with John King, Eliot Spitzer, or any of the guests on Parker Spitzer and you quickly realize she needs some help.
“You know” is one of the most commonly used phrases when a speaker is trying to decide what the next words she wants to say. In other words, these are filler words. Other common fillers are “UM…ER…AH…”
The solution to this dilemma is participation in Toastmasters. This international organization will help you to become a better speaker. You could become an outstanding speaker. Toastmasters chapters are in cities throughout the world. This isn’t just a male thing. Consider Sarah Palin and Michelle Bachmann as examples of women who are outstanding speakers. The best speaker I know is a woman with a serious hearing loss. Linnaea Mallette holds an advanced certification from Toastmasters. Her Read My Lips Tips for Success web site is in my Blogroll.
Kathleen Parker! Do you hear me!
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