5 Simple Steps

Our speaker yesterday at Cottonwood Toastmasters was our most loved Marian, our clubs very own DTM (Distinguished Toastmaster). She did an excellent job of teaching us 5 Simple Steps in communication. Marian came prepared with visual aids and a book she wrote titled "Take Charge of Your Life - Now". In a review of what she taught us, we learned the following:

1. Identify the right way to ask a question

-Start with an "I" statement, talking about yourself. Stand up for ones own rights without violating the rights of the other person.

- State your feeling. "I feel ....." If unsure of your feeling, hold your hand over your heart.

-State the behavior "When you ......" 

-State the new behavior. "I would like it if......"

-Ask for a response "Are you willing to do that?"

2. Criticism and Anger

Treat criticism like a hot potato! Get rid of it! Don't internalize it or make it your own! Say "That's how it seems to you." or "From your point of view, you could be right." When you encounter an angry person say "You seem really angry." and watch their response as you call them on their behavior.

3. Vocal Tone

Your vocal tone is always important, make it work for you. Also remember that your word is your bond. When you say something, do it. Relationships are built on trust.

4. Self Esteem

To assist others in achieving a better self esteem, ask "How did you feel about the job you have done?"

5. Words

Delete the following from your vocabulary: Can't, Don't, Won't, nothing works, etc... Replace it with "Up until now". Remember, things CAN change!

Cottonwood Toastmasters meets every Monday 12:00 to 1:15 at the Cottonwood Village, 201 E Mingus Ave. Guests are welcome. For more information call Laina Lloyd at 928-300-8638 or Dave Ellison at 928-634-6540