Happy St. Patrick's Day, Happy March, Happy Spring to all of you.

As many of you know, I have been a member of Toastmasters for the past three years. Among other things, they put on annual speech contests and I'm happy to announce that I will be participating at the Division level in both of the Spring contests, Table Topics (basically impromptu speaking) and the International Speech Contest, which can lead to the World Championship of Public Speaking in August.

Everyone is invited to attend for just a small fee.

Being in these contests has created quite a challenge since I will be facing excellent speakers at all levels. I've had to look deep within myself to develop speeches that will compete but that will also benefit the audiences. At any rate, I'm working hard the next few weeks and will let you know the results.

Story Magic Weekend

I've decided to postpone the Story Magic weekend because of my participation in the speech contest Saturday. It will now be held sometime in late May.

If one of your goals for the new year is to upgrade your speaking skills, consider taking my next Story Magic Intensive. Stories are fundamental to all speaking, selling and personal relations skills. Here you will learn to use them in ways that will change your life.

The first Story Magic Intensive held last December was a great success. My next one will be held in late May and will be limited to a maximum of ten participants.

Story Magic teaches you story creation techniques in a small group setting. These techniques can be used to create stories you can use in speeches, writing or promotional materials. During the event, you will discover where stories come from, you will write your own story and you will practice delivering it orally. Go to www.storyseminars.com for details.

Arvee and I are pleased to announce the addition of several exciting speakers to this year's Speak Your Way to Wealth. They are:

• Lynn Rose, an exciting performance artist who sang at our event last year. She will give a full presentation this year on performance and presentation skills.

• Dave Lakhani, an expert on the art of persuasion and featured speaker at many high level seminars. We are extremely pleased that he has accepted our invitation to speak.

• Norma Thompson Hollis, owner of SpeakersEtc., and an expert on the creation and use of your inner voice in presenting.

We've put together a special deal for St. Patrick's Day that lasts through Friday at midnight. When you buy one ticket for $297, you can bring a second person, whether friend, spouse or colleague, for just $97. You can get more information at:

 www.speakyourwaytowealth.com/stpatty.htm

I will send along our special email invitation separately. Please read it and sign up as soon as possible. This will be the last time we can offer this low investment rate.

Beginning Your Speech

Your speech opening is the most important part of your speech. If you lose the audience with your first words, you will never get them back

You can use several openings for your speech.

First, you can ask a question that pertains to the subject of your speech. If you are talking about marketing, you can ask, "How many of you want to make money on the Internet?" This question involves the audience, makes them give a positive reaction to your topic and creates the anticipation that you will answer the question you just asked. You should ask two questions to ensure that everyone in your audience answers.

Second, you can make a shocking statement, such as, "Fewer than one percent of those who try to market on the internet actually make money." This will pique their interest and the expectation that you will give the solution to that problem.

Third, you can tell a story that relates to your subject.

Fourth, you can do a song, poem, performance of some type. You can do an introductory PowerPoint that gives details on your background.

Whatever you do, make certain it is clear, catchy, and gets a reaction from the audience.

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Where Is Lee Speaking?

Saturday,  March 24, 2007 Toastmasters Division E Table Topics Speech Contest, 12:30 p.m., Smart & Final, 600 Citadel Drive, Commerce, CA

Saturday, April 14, 2007, Toastmasters Division A International Speech Contest, 9 a.m. Mariners Church, 5001 Newport Coast Drive, Irvine, CA

South Orange County Genealogical Society, Saturday, April 21, 2007. "Internet Research"

Story Magic Weekend, late May 2007. Further information to be announced

ASTD San Fernando Valley October 2007
 

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Do you need help with your writing?

Lee Pound  helps writers and speakers strengthen their communication skills by teaching them to write clear, concise prose that all readers can understand.

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Do you need a speaker?

Lee is an inspirational and motivational speaker who presents to organizations, conferences, businesses and clubs interested in learning more about skills used to communicate in writing and speaking and how to apply those skills in our daily lives.

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Toastmasters

Learning to speak well requires practice. The best forum to practice is at a local Toastmasters Club. You can go to www.toastmasters.org for more information. You are invited to visit my clubs at any time. Call or e-mail for further information.

Possibilities Unlimited
Carrows Restaurant on Marguerite Parkway north of Avery Parkway in Mission Viejo, CA, Monday evening 7:15 p.m.

Performance Unlimited
Executive Career Services Conf. Room
2955 Main St., # 110, street level
Irvine, California, 92614, Wednesday evening, 7:00 p.m.