127. Deepak Menon: Great Leaders are Great Speakers

Deepak Menon, of New Delhi, India, is a chartered accountant at J.P., Kapur & Uberai in New Delhi, where he is one of nine partners. A Toastmaster since 2002, Menon’s home club is Central Delhi Toastmasters. He has held a number of high-profile leadership positions within Toastmasters and has attained the Distinguished Toastmaster designation—the highest level of educational achievement in the organization. Today Deepak is an officer of the Toastmasters International Board of Directors, the International President-Elect, where he is a “working ambassador” for the organization.

The world needs more effective leaders

The world needs effective leaders, not just leaders. An effective leader really cares about the people around, is willing to go out and do whatever is required for the betterment of society, has a clear vision, and is completely selfless.

How you become a great speaker

Practice, practice, practice. That’s the key element to become better at anything in life. The key is that you implement the feedback you receive. Transfer what you learned in Toastmasters to your professional life. Deepak has delivered speeches at least a thousand times and has received an evaluation in around 80% of them.

Great leaders are great speakers

Without great communication skills leaders won’t be able to communicate their vision and how their goals need to be implemented. Examples of great leaders and speakers are:

* Abraham Lincoln who is remembered for his speeches.

* Martin Luther King Jr who became a leader only because he had great communication skills and show his vision of tomorrow.

Related: Being Myself Made Me a Champion

Favorite quotation

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” — John C. Maxwell

“The purpose of life is to live a life of purpose.” — Deepak Menon

Recommended book

Drive by Daniel Pink

Routine to Shine

Walk one hour per day. Meditate while walking.

Links

Toastmasters International

Deepak at LinkedIn

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