Back in September,  Mackey Mitchell  engaged an international  AEC marketing expert to evaluate our presentation skills with training workshops and a day-long critique with tips on how to  improve our oral skills  and powerpoint presentations. As a result of those sessions, Mackey Mitchell is looking into forming a “Speaker’s Club” to practice our presentation skills among friendly colleagues.  Principal Jim Konrad who was a member of the Toastmaster’s Club for several years will present a “lunch and learn” program on February 23 titled “What I’ve Learned about Public Speaking” to share experiences and techniques that have made him a better speaker and presenter.  One tip from the Toastmasters Club  (which grew out of a club called Smedley Club Number 1 in 1924) to help boost confidence is to pretend audience members are clapping.