Toastmasters - 2nd Evaluation

I did it I finally did an evaluation. After many sessions of TM, I was very intimidated but evaluating a speaker's prepared speech. It takes great listening skills, critical thinking, and able to make your points clear.

I failed my first evaluations, but that was because I wanted to test out the water before jumping in, and after my first experience. I understand a lot about myself. I don't know how to evaluate, I have no clue where to start, and not really any guides to use. Sure I can use the TM manual, but I have a different way to learn things and and it takes time for me to understand something by heart.

Knowing my weakness I know I built up a fear of standing on stage and giving my opinion of my speech. The thing is, I dont know if I am able to state my opinion even into life, I always think 2wice and never go with my gut feeling, its because my brain is all over the place, that I lose focus and get distracted, that I depend on near by people to fill in my opinions for me as, I nod my head.

But I built of the courage to take on this challenge. First of all, I need to know how to listen to a person and not get distracted. Why is this, well because I am not able to flow my brain in a nice flowing pattern. Information is all over the place and I just get lost. Alright, this is a weakness I need to discover why I am like this.

After I gathered all my notes, from all my previous TM evaulation sessions, I discovered that there was a pattern and categories that people focus on during evaluations. I uncover the secrets to evaluating, and put them all in a flow chart. After 3 flowcharts, I was able to understand more of all the little elements that people look for in evaluation. This has now become the principles of a Speech. Wow, I am beginning to understand why you talk about the elements, and how it effected the delivery of speech.

Now that I have an idea what to look for, my next challenge was to be able to take notes and multitask. After a few attempts of practicing in front of my computer, I knew I had a hard time channeling elements relating to the speech and process them in my notes. Listen, think, watch, take notes, know what elements that they are on. I kept on failing on my note taking, and was not able to focus at all. This made me more nervous and preparing myself for failure.

After discussing my problems to Mookie, I explain what I have accomplished so far. But now I reached a wall that I have no idea to get over. He dissected my process and methods, that he made it clear to simply my brain. Focus on Connection, Techniques, and Overall.

Write simple notes why you felt connected.
Plus and Minuses on Technique, this is where I remember the Elements.
Talk about over all speech.

After I tried this method on my computer, I knew I was able to focus now, and write better notes. We went over my notes and how I would dilever it. And we were able to fine tune areas where I can improve. So I felt more confident going in, but I have no idea whats going to happen Next.

So time was running out, and there was no turning back. I am off to class to discover yet another unknown quality I have with public speaking. I drove to NI, not feeling anything at all. Felt like another drive to NI like if I were going to pick up Komal. I don't know why I felt relax walking to class. I was not really focused on anything. I think I might of been mentally exhausted, but I knew I had some exposure to evaluations, with research / research / research. Walking in the room, I had a sence of peace, and my body was calm. I kept a smile face and hung out with Bosco. I ran into Bosco and Letitia, and confronted them, that this was my 2nd time of giving evaluation. They told me I will be fine, and I have showed alot improvments through out my months of going to TM and participating.

While Bosco went up, I had my note sheet, already divided to take good notes. This helpped out alot and just focus on my first part of my objective. I felt I was able to listen and take effective notes, jotting down (+ -). Get connected, observe the techniques, over all thought. After the speech was done, I had a number of things on my list, but it was easier to break down and organize it into an evaluation Point List, that I though flowed well for me.

Time to go up, I shook hands with Shin, and went off on the random theme of the day. This was good for me, because it forced me to not think so much on evaluation. And it earned me some smiles in the room, that I gather energy from. Finally I gave my evaluation to Bosco, 75% going off my points, and 25% adding unknown improves in there, that just flowed out so well. I am not able to prep the 25%, that just came out on its own. I notice I wasnt shaky during my evaluation. My focus was to give Bosco his feedback he deserves. So my attention was on him and not myself.

I made my points clear, gave many examples of why I felt the way I did about something. I looked at my notes, but it was fine, because it forced me to relax and provide Bosco with good feedback. By the time I was done, I felt satisfied. I did not car if I was going to win, i know I won against Evaluation 1, I did back in Dec 2011.

I am really excited to grow with TM, but still need to take it one step at a time. Get comfterable, test out the water, learn how to swim, and swim by yourself.

Great Job KiKo, go mark it on the Calender that you go an A today, and a Ribbon.....

Animation School - Animschool: Character Eye Blink

Insperation - Jon Rush

http://www.cgsociety.org/index.php/CGSFeatures/CGSFeatureSpecial/jon_rush_and_the_old_republic

Jon and I worked together on SWTOR, an awesome character modeler who still has time to work out, spend time with his family, and give back to the art community. He has been teaching online 3d courses, and has built a name for himself. CG society took the time to interview him, how he became a modeler, passion for games, and whats it like working at Bioware.

Toastmaster - Had a really bad performance.

Today I attended toastmasters after taking a 5 week break. And coming back to class has put me back to square one. I gave a bad performance when giving instructions on what my role was on and the theme of today "don't become a statistic"

I stumbled all over my words when talking about vote counter. I was "uming" everywhere and had trouble connecting with the audience. I felt I had way to much coffee before class which increased my anxiety, that is what made my heart beat like crazy, and made me even more nervous then before.

I also did not practice before I came to class, I should of used the drawing method. Which would help my visual memory, which I am really good at. Also my wife attended the class, which threw me way off. But that is not an excuse.

What I take out of my failure experience is the opportunity to grow and bee aware of my weaknesses.

• Get a good nights rest.
• Make sure not to drink coffee before, try calm tea.
• Practice speaking with visual memory.
• Start creating note cards that are written well, where you can just take them on the go

Toastmaster - 3rd Speech

Getting to the Point

http://www.care2.com/greenliving/6-health-benefits-of-having-pets.html?page=2
http://pets.webmd.com/ss/slideshow-pets-improve-your-health
I want to inform pet owners that some of the life benefits you get from owning pets.
And I want to encourage my audience to own a pet, for life beneficial reasons.

• Dogs and Cats make great pets.
• These cute furry animals provide you with unconditional love and great companionship.
• They can go as far as becoming your best friend.
• But, did you know there are many unseen health benefits you can get from owning a pet.
• Pets can help us to heal emotionally, physically, and mentally, but scientists are also discovering that cats and dogs can help fight disease and assist us in dealing with chronic conditions.
• For my speech I am going to provide you a few examples and facts how pets can provide you with better health.

• Pets can Reduce Stress, even specific problems such as fear of job security and finance. Or suffering from Depression
• A servery by Mindlab International found that 55% of people were more relaxed after spending time with their pets.
• By simply petting your cat or dog, will increase your feelings of contentment and relaxation.
• 1/4 of the respondents describe their pets as a best friend and a friend to even share their deepest thoughts.
• Looking at fish swimming can reduce anxiety and naturally enhance your mood.
• And with less stress, reduces anxiety and protects you agents cardiovascular diseases that can lead into Fatal Heart Attacks.

• Lower Blood Pressure and Cholesterol
• Psychologist from Queen's University said that dog owners tend to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol.
• Going for walks with your dog increases your physical activities, which will lower your blood pressure, cholesterol, and even helps out with wight loss.
• According to stories published in New York Times, researchers from University of Missouri found that people who walk their dogs are more consistent with regular exercise and show more improvement in fitness then people walking with a companion.
• They found that if your dependent on another person to work out, chances are someone will have an excuse not to go for a walk, and that can decrease the motivation to work out, versus depending on a dog, they have no excuses to go for a walk.
• If the walking routine is developed between you and your dog, dogs will remind you its time to go for a walk, and you better not have an excuse because I will start barking at you.

• Researchers have found that when children grows up in the home with a cat or dog, they are less likely to develop allergies. The children develop a better immune system, which keeps them healthy when they get older.
• Pet allergies are one of the most common triggers to having asthma. But they found that children a less likely to have asthma as they get older.
• A friend of mine never owned a dog, but his kids really wanted one so I remember him coming to work with a rash on his neck and arms. This all happened when he got himself a dog. I remember he spent the whole year itching away. But after the first year, the rashes and itches dissipated. And he got himself another dog.

Alright now that you gotten your 3 facts, now its time to create an outline that you can properly follow. Here is an example of a outline that you can use to create your own.

http://www.highlands.edu/dpergrem/outlineexample.htm#Persuasive%20Outline

Big Words to fill.

Opportunity - a good chance for advancement or progress

• When the opportunity came for Kiko to prove that he could do the job, he was ready.
• I had the rare opportunity of speaking to the president.
• I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who helped me with toastmaster.
• There is plenty of opportunity for advancement within the company.

Toastmaster - 2nd Speech

Ahhhhhhhhhhhh, Finally - I am all done with this speech.
It was way to complicated, because I have to give an organized speech.
Have a good structure of Intro, letting audience know what I am about to talk about.
Then talk about my 3 main points.
And finally wrap up the speech reminding them what I was talking to them about.

It took me a long time to think about what to talk about.
But many helpful friends, told me to just go over what I know. And make it interesting.
Finally, after a long time of brainstorming, I decided to talk about "Internet Blog"

I spent a whole week writing my content.
Then writing a rough draft, and find areas where I can improve on.
I tried a few methods on how I can remember the things I need to talk about.
I tried bullet points, bubble words, or just wrote the whole speech over and over again.
None of these tricks worked, Komal said "kiko just keep it simple, you dont have to over do it"
Once she said that, it finally clicked.
Since I work well with visuals, I have a way of talking when looking at my source.
Example, I can give a comfortable feedback, when reviewing animations.
I am able to talk about my favorite movies.

I created my own visual note card, that i folded into 4.
I drew pictures and arrows on how my speech will flow.
I really invested alot of time, into drawing my speech.
By doing this, I was able to connect better.
And changed my thought process in organizing my speech.
I have fun drawing and it was enjoyable to draw my thought.

Now I am able to give a more improved speech by remembering the pictures I made.
When practicing, I was able to vision and anticipate whats going to happen next.
My gestures became more clear. I was able to feel comfortable to hear my voice.

I think I practiced way to much.
But from my experience. Its good to at least practice before you sleep. And that way you are able to integrate it into your mind.
And when you wake up in the morning, say something from your speech and it will flow out naturally as your getting out of bed.

Im really excited about, structuring my speeches. Make it clear what your speeches are going to be about.

So when ever I get more time, Ill talk about my experience delivering my speech.
Getting comfortable with my environment.
Giving the speech.
Got the feedback.
Things that I learned about myself that day.

I am not able to succeed without the help from my friend Mookie, and with Komal. Thank you so much guys for giving me encouragement and confidence. With your help, I was able to deliver and get a "Best Speaker" award out of it......

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Getting comfortable with my environment

• Make new friends
• Participated in Theme
• Ah Grammarian, which is pretty tough but a great way to listen and catch their AH/UM

Giving the speech.

• Nervous as hell

The Feedback

• It was a constructed speech, with intro, 3 points, and conclusion
• But, I didnt have good transitions into the 3 points. I need to make sure the audience knows, I'm getting into my next topic. And have a pause between the points.
• They loved my examples / visual aids.
• They enjoyed the touch of humor I added with the postit notes. Making that audience laugh, makes everyone even more interested in your topic, and it creates a friendly environment.
• Everyone can tell I was nervous, through my shaky hands. I need to try and master it.
• I made great use of the floor.