The Box Gesture Technique.

The Box Gesture Technique.

When we speak, our hand movements should naturally reinforce our words. However, without a plan, our hands can easily become a distraction—either dropping limply to our sides, which lowers our energy, or flailing too widely, which signals anxiety. The Box Technique solves this by giving us a framework for purposeful movement.

To use this technique, imagine an invisible, rectangular frame directly in front of your torso:

• The top boundary is at your chest level.
• The bottom boundary is at your waistline.
• The side boundaries extend just slightly past your shoulders.

The rule of this technique is simple: every hand gesture you make must stay contained inside this imaginary window.

When you want to emphasize a key word, contrast two ideas, or list points, you execute those movements cleanly within this space. When you finish a thought, your hands return to a relaxed, open resting position near the center of the box, right around your navel.

This technique is highly effective for two main reasons:

1. It projects composure: Gestures kept inside this zone look calculated and controlled. This signals to your audience that you are confident and certain of your message.
2. It maintains focus: The human brain naturally tracks motion. Keeping your hands in this chest-to-waist window ensures that the audience's eyes are always drawn right back up to your face and your eye contact.

I challenge everyone to visualize their own personal box. Keep your gestures intentional, stay inside the frame, and notice how much more authoritative your delivery becomes.

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/qzXVg4wtQsE

Stop Apologizing in your speeches!

 In  the most recent toastmasters magazine I came across this article entitled 

“   Resist Your Regrets

How to stop apologizing for yourself in presentations and what to do instead.”

By Joel Schwartzberg

I will summarize what I got from this article briefly.  I would encourage you all to take time later to read it in its entirety as it is very good. 

To quote the article

“Consider your immediate reaction to this line: “I’m sorry, but …”

Do you sense bad news is coming or that the speaker is about to under-deliver? That’s not a message speakers want to send, but many do it instinctively and needlessly.

Regretful phrases like “I apologize …” and “Please excuse/forgive …” may seem polite, but they usually backfire, making you sound less credible and confident. It’s your job to manage your regret, not your audience’s job to accommodate it.”

  This to me is a great example of more being less!  Don’t sabotage your speech with this type of addition. You do not need to bring undue attention to things in you speech which often times are already known by the audience and if not don’t bring it up! 

 An example would be apologizing for not practicing enough before you presentation!   Most of the time, while maybe more practice would have helped some, your audience is still impressed with your speech giving acumen!   Don’t bring attention to things that don’t need or deserve attention.   Just present your speech and do the best that you can in that moment. 

 

https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2026/july/resist-your-regrets

Educational Moment: Happy New Year

  

  As we step into a brand-new Toastmasters fiscal year, our club goals have completely reset to zero. Just like the magic in A Midsummer Night's Dream, we awake today to a completely fresh slate, full of infinite possibilities.

Every single one of us has the power to shape the destiny of our club over the next 12 months. This fresh start relies heavily on the Distinguished Club Program, or the DCP. The DCP is our club’s report card, measuring our success across education, membership growth, and training. 

When you submit a speech level pathway, earn a designation, or invite a friend to a meeting, you aren't just achieving personal growth. You are actively earning a point that helps our club achieve 'Distinguished' status.

My challenge to you during this midsummer fresh start is simple:

• Log into Pathways this week and select your next project.
• Prepare your next speech
• Commit to one personal goal you want to conquer by next June.

Let’s use the vibrant energy of this new year to dream big, support each other, and track our magic all the way to a Distinguished Club ribbon!"

Congratulation Pioneer Toastmasters on a great Toastmasters Year!!!

 

   You all have had a great year in accomplishing all of these club Goals!  As you can see we have achieved all but one goal and that is goal #3 "Two more level two awards" only one level two is lacking on that particular  line.  At this point in total we achieved 9 of the education goals. That simply means we were working the pathways and getting things done.  I have seen the growth in practice as you all have gotten better at public speaking and in the leadership you bring to our club and no doubt beyond.   Congratulations! And thanks for a great year!    Looking forward to next year!  

More Tips for Toastmasters

More tips for Toastmasters:

“Embrace your unique style. Don’t copy the style or gestures of other speakers, as your audience will sense a lack of authenticity. Be yourself; no one does that better than you can.”

  Simply put be yourself you are the only you in the world and we like you! 

“Be prepared for the worst. Murphy’s Law states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Be prepared by having print-outs of your presentation slides and a copy of your presentation on USB drive.”

 One can never be over prepared.  I remember many years ago and this has happened more than once, there was confusion about who was going o be her for wasn’t bottom one was no one with a key showed up.   Think of your preparation that way. Could you present you speech up by the entrance top the church here where we meet with people standing or sitting at the picnic tables there?  IF so you probably are prepared if you could not then a plan B plan could be a good thing. 

“Pause. Before addressing your audience, pause for a few seconds. This will gain their attention and increase impact.”

  This is one of my favorite things to calm things down and get the audiences attention prior to beginning your speech.   I can remember teaches growing up that did this…. It works 

Source for these tips is the article linked here:

https://www.toastmasters.org/about/90th-anniversary/90-tips

The "PPE" Framework for Mastering Impromptu Speaking

  

Table topics  for a new Toastmaster can be intimidating and difficult: "what should I talk about?"  There are many ways in which people address this question.

   "PPE"(Past Present and Future) Framework is an easy and good way to address a Table topics question.

How to Structure It:

• The Past : Start by describing how the topic used to look. Use phrases like, "When I was younger..." or "Historically, we used to..."

• The Present : Transition into the current state of affairs. Use pivot words like, "But today, everything has changed..." or "Right now, we see..."

• The Future : Wrap up with a forward-looking prediction or hope. Conclude with, "Moving forward, I hope we..." or "In the years to come..."

  

This is a simple way to do a table topic. Maybe try it at the next table topics session? 

Pioneer Toastmasters We are in this together.

 Pioneer Toastmasters 

To keep our club running smoothly and help everyone reach their potential, please keep these five essential habits in mind:

1. Arrive Early
   Show up 5–10 minutes before the start time. This gives us time to set up the room, test technology, and connect with fellow members before the meeting begins.
2. Confirm Your Role
   Check the agenda a few days prior to the meeting. Confirming your role early ensures a smooth, well-organized meeting for everyone.
3. Prepare Your Introduction
   If you are speaking, send your introduction to the Toastmaster of the Day ahead of time. Include your speech title, project details, and timing limits.
4. Find a Backup for Absences
   If you cannot fulfill an assigned role, please communicate this to the group immediately. Help the club by trying to find your own replacement from the roster.
5. Set Personal Goals
   Ask yourself: What do I want to get out of my effort and time here at Pioneer Toastmasters? Define your personal targets and track your Pathways progress to maximize your growth.

Thank you for your dedication to your own growth and the success of Pioneer Toastmasters!