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ca Leininger—Division D Member of the Month
Since joining Toastmasters, Erica has come to the meetings
almost every week, and she has always been an active
participant. The boundless exuberance she brings to each
meeting is a big part of what makes our club so much fun.
Erica joined the Barkers to help boost her confidence in her
presentation skills. Through practice and the encouragement
and support of club members she says she now feels more
comfortable speaking in front of groups and has a better
understanding of how to effectively communicate ideas. Erica
says her favorite part of being a Toastmaster is “the camaraderie that is felt between the members. We
are all there to improve our skills, so we support one another in this goal.”
How Do You Stand?
The success of the speaker depends in some measure on the way he stands when he speaks. He
should present himself well.
A sloppy, careless stance puts him at a disadvantage in two ways. First, it tends to alienate his audi-
ence. Second, it is reflected in his manner of speaking.
A good position works in the opposite way. It makes the speaker feel confidence in himself, and it
attracts favorable attention from his hearers.
To stand well, the speaker should cultivate certain habits. He needs to stand erect, but without stiff-
ness or tension. He is not “standoffish,” but rather gives the effect of approaching the audience.
Without actually leaning toward them, he seems to come close to them.
He takes full advantage of his height, never seeking to conceal it by appearing to crouch or hold
himself down. He stands still.
The basis for a good position is in the placing of the feet. One of the best ways of placing them is in
themilitary position of “parade rest.” In this, he places the left foot slightly forward, with the right
foot a few inches to the rear, and with the left heel pointed toward the right instep. The relative
positions of the feet can be shifted occasionally, without any shuffling.
This position has the advantage of discouraging the tendency to sway from side to side, and it
helps the speaker relax.
In general, the best position for the speaker is a natural, easy one, free from freakishness, He stands
up, resting his weight easily on both feet. He avoids all rocking, swaying, bending and other aim-
less movements. He tries to stand naturally, at his best. (Dr. Ralph Smedley, September, 1959)
28
Since joining Toastmasters, Erica has come to the meetings
almost every week, and she has always been an active
participant. The boundless exuberance she brings to each
meeting is a big part of what makes our club so much fun.
Erica joined the Barkers to help boost her confidence in her
presentation skills. Through practice and the encouragement
and support of club members she says she now feels more
comfortable speaking in front of groups and has a better
understanding of how to effectively communicate ideas. Erica
says her favorite part of being a Toastmaster is “the camaraderie that is felt between the members. We
are all there to improve our skills, so we support one another in this goal.”
How Do You Stand?
The success of the speaker depends in some measure on the way he stands when he speaks. He
should present himself well.
A sloppy, careless stance puts him at a disadvantage in two ways. First, it tends to alienate his audi-
ence. Second, it is reflected in his manner of speaking.
A good position works in the opposite way. It makes the speaker feel confidence in himself, and it
attracts favorable attention from his hearers.
To stand well, the speaker should cultivate certain habits. He needs to stand erect, but without stiff-
ness or tension. He is not “standoffish,” but rather gives the effect of approaching the audience.
Without actually leaning toward them, he seems to come close to them.
He takes full advantage of his height, never seeking to conceal it by appearing to crouch or hold
himself down. He stands still.
The basis for a good position is in the placing of the feet. One of the best ways of placing them is in
themilitary position of “parade rest.” In this, he places the left foot slightly forward, with the right
foot a few inches to the rear, and with the left heel pointed toward the right instep. The relative
positions of the feet can be shifted occasionally, without any shuffling.
This position has the advantage of discouraging the tendency to sway from side to side, and it
helps the speaker relax.
In general, the best position for the speaker is a natural, easy one, free from freakishness, He stands
up, resting his weight easily on both feet. He avoids all rocking, swaying, bending and other aim-
less movements. He tries to stand naturally, at his best. (Dr. Ralph Smedley, September, 1959)
28
