Most students think public speaking is nerve racking. But with a little help, CanACT members learned public speaking can actually be a lot of fun!

Joined by Kathy Hanneson and Eric Maginnis of the Town and Gown Toastmasters of Guelph, CanACT found having fun with public speaking can improve your delivery.

“Good public speaking is as much attitude as aptitude,” said Hanneson.  “With practice you can speak with confidence.”

CanACT members practiced their public speaking skills through an impromptu exercise where everyone made up a one-minute proposal to convince the board of governors to approve their assigned suggestion for the university campus. 

Points were awarded for good posture, eye contact, clarity of voice, relaxed stance and professionalism.

First place went to Claire Cowan for her proposal to make introductory agriculture courses compulsory for all University of Guelph students.  Second place was presented to Katharine Found for incorporating the word of the day, harvest, into her speech most effectively.

Hanneson said good speakers know their audience, “Try to pick out your most important points and have a take home message. Don’t try to cover too much.”

The Town and Gown Toastmasters meet every Wednesday morning at 7:15 a.m. in Johnston Hall.  Originally the Gryphons Toastmasters, the club was established in June 2000.  The group meets year round and has approximately 30 members.  Maginnis and Hanneson said CanACT members would be welcome guests at a Toastmasters meeting anytime.

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