coachm - 1:01 am on Mar 21, 2010 (gmt 0)

I used to train public speakers, and of course, made money doing keynotes and such things. I'm not a fan of Toastmasters for a number of reasons, but it's better than going it alone. The best way to learn is find someone who is really good at it and pick his or her brains both before and after his/her presentations that you see.

It's actually about learning how to think like a top notch speaker which is tough, and that's why the brain picking can work. Also a lot of people aren't cut out for it, and there's no shame in that.

Passion is important. Solid ego. Being prepared to fail. Learning the skills and techniques.