Auckland Team Bowled Over by World Champion

Just before 2020 came to an end The Auckland Team were treated to a public speaking masterclass by none other than world champion Toast Master David Nottage from Torque Business.  David has been actively involved with presentation skills for over 28 years and his ambition is to use his knowledge and skills to help people to be more confident in their public speaking such as our members.

---

National Player Development Manager Sanj Silva also shares the same sentiment as David when it comes to upskilling our community,

“Whether it be in the sporting arena, public arena, or life after cricket public speaking is a vital skill for our players and we are so lucky to have David here with us who has worked across so many sports and the commercial world.”   

The workshop started with a simple introduction game and continued to where a player did an adlib presentation on a random topic. All the way along David challenged and mentored the would-be orators to think about their delivery, how they were saying things, and the ever important what to do with your hands.

The short straw or toughest topic of the day went to Robbie O’Donnell who delivered a flawless speech on sloths, and then followed that up a few minutes later with a piece on manatees “the cow of sea,” as he described them.

“This is the second time I got the chance to attend one of David’s courses, and for the last two hours we’ve laughed had fun and grown in confidence when it comes to public speaking.”  Exclaimed Aces Captain O’Donnell.

The Ums and Err game was a hit for the group as they tried to avoid using both words in their address to the group, some managing to stay alive a little longer than others.

“ I haven’t really done a lot of things like this before, it was a really good session and I learned a lot.” explained Auckland Hearts Batter Yaz Kareem of her experience.

Nottage explained to the group that they are probably more confident in public speaking than they realise, it is overcoming the fear that they and 90 percent of the world possesses when it comes to speaking in front of an audience known as Glossophobia.

All-Rounder Sean Solia enjoyed the afternoon, in particular the delivery style of Nottage who some twenty plus years ago was petrified to speak in front of a group of four people without a massive anxiety attack.

 “David brings a lot of humour to the workshop which makes it really engaging, and I learned it’s ok to take your time and pause when you are public speaking.”   

​The big takeaway from the session was however how our members entered the workshop as quiet softly spoken individuals and continually grew in confidence with each task. A warm thanks must go to David for helping the players develop confidence in public speaking and to our members for their attendance and willingness to try something most of us are fearful of doing.  

---