My First Successful Speech

This evening I delivered my first ever successful speech in public, at the Toastmasters Club. It was my Icebreaker. And following are the comments and suggestions given by fellow toastmasters.

Good beginning. Excellent speech. Confident. Used body language. No nervousness. Practice to complete your speech within time limit.

This was given by the personal evaluator of my speech – Shouvik

Congrats – Ankur.. You were brilliant. I liked your confidence. Something from the present would have done wonder. Use hands.. don’t keep at back.
– Shailja

Very good start. You are confident and talented. I look forward to your future projects.
- Pradeep Dutt

You are very confident as a speaker. Well begun speech – you could have kept the introduction a bit short. You sway while standing – it’s a bit distracting! There was vivid imagery in your anecdote about Manali – well done! We got to know you very well!
- Deepak Menon

Humorous. Good Start. Speech topics linked with each other.
No chronological order adopted – was that intentional? Good body language – no signs of nervousness. Said “Actually” many no. of times.
- Anuradha

Came to know about a ‘prolific’ & successful artist. You structured your talk into points. Suggested in next speeches – minimize use of filler words e.g. There was that, you know.
- Manu Maudgal

You have a rich clear voice. Could work on your pacing – smoothing it out. A well structured speech. Enjoyed your sense of humor.
- Janet

You are a good story teller – very confident. Good choice of words & good body language. Very well done! I am sure you will be a good speaker. Very soon!
- Narendra Sharma

Your opening – Fantastic. Pause, keep it natural, not learnt. It’s your own life, be proud of yourself. You have the courage to call yourself names & funny!! Good.. You have natural speaking skills, work on them. Leave your body loose! Keep it up!
- Vidhu

Good – You were confident. You shouldn’t sway while speaking. Interesting description of the trek, humor well incorporated.
- Prerna

Very good start. All the best.
- Rajan

Good introduction. Good confidence. Could drink some water before the speeches to overcome sound of dry throat. Repetition of “actually”. Good Show.

Standing posture a little stiff. Voice modulation is good. Know where to pause. Eye contact not proper, seems lost at times. Usage of “actually” too much.

Great speech. Good insight of Ankur. Keep it up. Try to be more confident. Time your speech.

Very good start, quite narrative.

And I must say that even I was impressed with the way I delivered my Icebreaker :)