Welcome Toastmasters!

Thank you for attending my session at the 2024 Toastmasters District 7 Annual Conference.

Below you will find the resources I mentioned to help craft your speeches to Avoid the Pitfalls of Public Speaking in Today’s Politically Charged World!

Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me at jeff@myh3h.com.

Main Points to Remember

• Understand yourself and your own political bias
• Understand your audience and their predominant (likely) bias
• Unless speaking to “your” group, be cautious that your political bias does not show
• Whenever possible…
  • Start with a story
  • Get buy-in/build rapport
  • Use neutral political language and references when speaking to a mixed group
  • Use language and references (as appropriate) in the flavor of the audience if they have a political leaning
  • Close with clear action items

Helpful Links

• Explore Braver Angels
• Keep tabs on what we are doing in Oregon & SW Washington
• Attend a BA event in Oregon
• Attend a BA online event
• Setup a 1:1 conversation across the aisle
• Help shape the Braver Angels Language Guide by participating in the Words Matter survey.
• Check out Allsides.com for news from different perspectives

For Access to the BA Language Guide:

• BA Members can access it in the members portal here.
• Non-members:
  • Please consider becoming a member for as little as $12/year!
  • Not ready to join, but still would like to see the language guide? Please email Laura Gilliom and let her know I referred you from my TM talk.