Yes, I LOVE Toastmasters!

LISTEN
OBSERVE
VALUE
ENCOURAGE

As the saying goes, we were given two ears and one mouth so we would LISTEN more than we talk.  Listen to the speaker, to your colleagues, to your family.  Hear what they say, be an active listener, not already preparing your next response in a discussion.  It’s OK to pause and gather your thoughts.

We also have two eyes so we can OBSERVE the speaker’s facial expressions, body language, and demeanor.  Listening to someone on the telephone is far more limited then when we can see all this, either in person or over a camera.  It provides so much more context to the speaker’s words.

If the speaker is taking time to tell us about it, we must VALUE their message.  We may not always agree with it, but it’s important to the speaker, and the speaker deserves our respect.  Show that their message is important to you with your own body language, and in your response.  If you’re not sure about the message, restate it and ask for confirmation.

Lastly, but most importantly, ENCOURAGE the speaker by providing constructive feedback, this might be in the form of an evaluation in the club meeting, or just a positive response in a conversation.  We need to provide commendations as well as recommendations, what you did well as well as what you can do better next time.  Conclude with an encouraging comment, leaving the conversation on a high note.

Now go out and LOVE your fellow Toastmasters!