Money Magazine in its October 2012 issue (p. 70) has a collage article titled:
“WHAT TO DO WITH $1,000 NOW!”
Among other investment ideas it suggests:
“Polish your presentation skills. Knowing how to effectively communicate ideas to your boss and clients can expand and extend your career.”
So with whom would invest the tuition money for public speaking training?
The writer starts with… $775 for a course run by the National Speakers Association. Next they suggest: Join Toastmasters International ($192 a year) to learn the art of making witty impromptu remarks. And then next, pay a private speaking coach.
I enthusiastically support with the idea that training in public speaking is a wonderful investment that keeps on giving. But the writer is giving bad financial advice when it comes to facts and figures. The NSA is not a place for beginners.
The place to start is your nearest Toastmasters’ Club. The nominal annual membership fee is around $100 or less, split in installments. And no – Toastmasters is not about making witty remarks. It’s about making short, impactful business and teaching presentations like sales presentations or stump speeches on your feet if you dream to run for election to PTA or any elected public office.
So, if I had only one Grand to invest I’ll invest one tenth of it in Toastmasters International.
© 2013 Mandy Lender MD
Mandy Lender 