Page 29 - April 2020
P. 29
If you don’t believe, record yourself in front The dinosaurs didn’t understand that video
of your computer on a webcam, then play it meetings need to be different than in-person
back. You will sound a bit more flat than normal meetings (another reason they are extinct).
(and maybe a bit less . . . uh . . . interesting). They could not adapt when their environment
TV and radio personalities know and use this changed. Be the mammal that I know you are
often—sometimes it is referred to as ‘gravitas’ (since only mammals read my articles) and
or ‘presence.’ All speakers would be advised to adapt to the (potentially) new normal of online
exaggerate their vocal range and affect more Toastmasters meetings in the pandemic era!
than they are used to. I turn my presentation Do this and you will have dodged a meteor!
up a few notches so listeners won’t switch to James Wantz, DTM, came to Toastmasters
a more interesting app on their phones or after many years in theatre. He is currently a
tablets. (Check out my videos on Pathways on member of two clubs and was an early adopter
the District 7 website for an example of going (and cheerleader) of Pathways. He can be
big with a personality. My Pathways Guide reached at wantzjames@gmail.com
persona is purposely larger than life in order
to be engaging.)
James Wantz, DTM - The intrepid Pathways Guide
VOICES! | APRIL 2020 29
