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Our tech team has launched updates to The Nest today. As a result of these updates, members of the Nest Community will need to change their password in order to continue participating in the community. In addition, The Nest community member's avatars will be replaced with generic default avatars. If you wish to revert to your original avatar, you will need to re-upload it via The Nest.
If you have questions about this, please email help@theknot.com.
Thank you.
Note: This only affects The Nest's community members and will not affect members on The Bump or The Knot.
Becoming more "well spoken"
Are there books, or maybe a class I can take (we only have a JC nearby) to become more versed, or better spoken? I don't know if that term is too vague, but I mostly want to gain better grammar and speaking skills. I have already taken a speech class...and public speaking isn't really what I had in mind.
Thanks!
Re: Becoming more "well spoken"
Have you considered joining a group like Toastmasters? It's more focused on speaking but they try to help you with any goals you have.
Do you read a lot (fiction and non-fiction)? I find that being well-read significantly helps with my vocabulary/grammar.
Even though you seem to be thinking of something other than public speaking, I would still recommend Toastmasters. They are a great organization across the board and will teach you a great deal about public presentation, not just in public speaking form.
Also, maybe consider joining some higher level book clubs - nonfiction or classics, etc. The people who frequent those would be quite well spoken and it may be an opportunity to become more comfortable in those environments.
For grammar, subscribe to "Grammar Girl" at http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ She has really great, easy to understand tips for grammar and some fun podcasts.
I'd also recommend watching TED Conference videos to get a feel for the issues of the day and the ways in which they are being presented by people who are at the top of their fields and interested politically and socially responsible. www.ted.com
Ditto-part of being well spoken comes with practice. I used to say I could be well-spoken if I just listened and took time to put my thoughts together. But if you're not practicing cadence, vocabulary, and presence, you'll never fully develop. Toastmasters gives you an opportunity to practice without punishment. I'd also take the opportunity to present on topics you know to your coworkers and look for places you can present.
Kudos to you for including grammar in your goals! I wish more people did; there's nothing that takes away from a report or presentation like poor grammar.
I'd start with a college-level grammar class or writing class. It may be easier to get the hang of it with written work before moving on to the finer points of presentation. If you can't find a class at the local JC, there should be some available online.
Also, Grammar Girl! http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ Free and funny.
I will be sure to look into the Toastmasters, I live in a pretty rural area, but maybe there is something similar.
I do love to read, and have enjoyed reading as far back as I can remember. In fact, I remember my mom taking away my books when I wouldn't clean my room! Maybe it's the type of books I'm reading because I am not a very good speller either! I'm currently reading Love, Eat, Pray.
I know what you mean about the poor grammar, I am terrified to let something leave my desk that isn't written well. The problem is that sometimes it takes me way too long to get a decent memo together. Also, it's very easy for me to hide behind an e-mail or memo, but at some point people have to meet me in real life and I want to be able to impress! Ha!
Thank you so much for all of your replies!