I’m a huge fan of both the NUS Toastmasters chapter meetings and TED talks for the quality of the speakers and the topics on offer. I always leave with a feeling of somehow having been enlightened. This particular speech, made by Julian Treasure is an absolute goldmine of knowledge.

I feel that this is a speech that every toastmaster should watch this video and internalise the easy to apply techniques offered by Julian, especially those looking to hit all the right notes in their P6: Vocal Variety. I wish I had stumbled across this great resource before I tackled my P6 several months ago, but it’s never too late to learn how to effectively manipulate vocal variety to enhance one’s message.

Julian embodies great confidence with his authoritative voice. His first few words, in a low register: “The human voice,” followed by a very quick summary about his speech objectives, draw you into his world. Setting the stage for a quick intro to the fundamentals of public speaking skills, which sometimes, the most advanced speakers forget to apply. Julian’s speech, peppered with appropriate humour, left me wanting more. He describes the human voice as a toolbox, with many useful gadgets that we have at our disposal. Such metaphors enhance learning by giving us a more visual image of what is being said and makes his message memorable.

Julian brought up many skills/keyword that we have all come across at some point in our live and explained them quickly, not going into too much detail. He was successful in covering a great variety of skills but I would have preferred to hear some of them in greater depth. He, however, was probably rushed for time and the number of topics he touched in ten minutes, and the way in which he emphasised their importance in delivering a message, was quite incredible. So, after watching this video, there is a definite need to do your own further research to enhance your understanding of each of these skills.

If there is one skill I picked up that really caught my attention, it would have to be the effective usage of pauses. Being a Toastmaster, the suggestion of eliminating the ums and ahs really struck a chord. Julian is an exceptional speaker and his sincerity and conviction in delivering a message show that he truly believe in what he is saying. I believe that every one of us in NUS Toastmasters has what it takes to achieve that level of inspiration, and that is something we should strive toward. And that,…as they say in the TED community, is truly an idea that is worth spreading.