Thursday, July 7, 2016

Write To Speak: A Writers & Speakers Collaborative Workshop

This workshop is an outgrowth of casual discussions between Brett Tipton and Dennis Deegan. One day over lunch it occurred to us that writers and professional speakers have a lot in common: perhaps it would be interesting to have a joint meeting between The Writers Group and Professional Speakers from Toastmasters.

Toastmasters International is a non profit educational organization dedicated to helping members improve their speaking and leadership skills in a mutually supportive environment.  Toastmasters Membership exceeds 332,000 in more than 15,400 clubs in 135 countries. Brett and Dennis are both trained Toastmasters and there is no question that each of us that plans to publish and sell our books can benefit by enhancing our speaking skills.

It seems as though these two groups could experience a positive synergy leading to mutual benefits, such as speakers becoming more effective writers, and writers becoming more effective speakers. Members of each group could be a catalyst for one another in terms of achieving personal goals such as writing a book, or giving an effective talk at a book signing.

In the final analysis motivated writers and motivated speakers have the ability to support the success of each other, if the spark is ignited and a fire begins. Let’s see if we can get some sparks flying!

What Speakers & Writers have in common:

 The art of communication
 The skill of word choice
 Standards of excellence
 Desire to express our art and share with audiences
 Desire to prosper
 Willingness to learn & grow
 Traditional ethical values
 Need for building a network
 The need to build a brand
 The need to promote

What Speakers & Writers wish to explore:

 Elements of a good speech
 Elements of good writing
 Impromptu speaking
 Impromptu writing
 How to connect with an audience
 Common challenges
 Cooperative opportunities
 Writers block
 Why we write, Why we speak
 What it takes to self-publish

Dennis Deegan will facilitate the workshop, including a panel discussion by accomplished writers and speakers. If you have a specific topic or expertise that you would like to present please send Dennis Deegan an email dennis.deegan@gmail.com describing your topic (expertise) and the value it would have for the group.  (Please keep presentations to five minutes)

We appreciate your cooperation in supporting the approach we are taking for this first session. Please let Brett or Dennis know your comments or questions regarding this Workshop.

Write & Speak Confidently,
Dennis James Deegan, ACS, ALB
Brett Tipton, MA
www.achieveandgrowstrong.com
330-801-6608

Sponsored by:
Twinspirations Toastmasters & The Writers Group
Meeting Room # 1 Twinsburg Public Library
10050 Ravenna Rd. Twinsburg, Oh 44087
Program: 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM July 16, 2016
Light Lunch & Networking Noon to 12:30 PM