Do you find any benefit in practicing numbers this way? This isn’t anything that I learned in auction school, it is something that seemed to make sense to me given the following idea: You’re out at 10, I’m bid 20, now 30? 10-20-30 20-30-40 30-40-50 40-50-60 50-60-70 60-70-80 70-80-90 80-90-100

Toastmasters is beneficial because it systematically builds communication, leadership, and confidence skills in a practical, low-risk environment. Its value comes from consistent practice, structured feedback, and progressive skill development—things most people rarely get in daily life. Here are the core reasons it’s so effective: 1. Builds Real Confidence Through Repetition Toastmasters removes fear by replacing it with familiarity. You speak often, in front of supportive peers, until public speaking becomes routine rather than intimidating. Confidence is not taught—it’s earned through experience, which Toastmasters provides weekly. 2. Improves Clear, Persuasive Communication You learn how to: Organize thoughts logically Speak with purpose and clarity Use tone, pacing, and body language effectively Adapt your message to different audiences These skills apply directly to work, leadership, faith communities, and everyday conversations. 3. Supportive, Constructive Feedback Unlike harsh criticism, Toastmasters feedback is: Specific Encouraging Actionable You learn what works, what to improve, and how to improve it, which accelerates growth far faster than practicing alone. 4. Leadership Development in a Safe Setting Members rotate through leadership roles—chairing meetings, mentoring others, organizing events. This builds: Decision-making skills Accountability Servant leadership mindset It’s leadership by doing, not theory. 5. Builds Listening and Thinking Skills Roles like evaluator and table topics sharpen your ability to: Listen actively Think quickly Respond thoughtfully under pressure These are high-value skills in business, ministry, advocacy, and personal life. 6. Inclusive and Accessible for Everyone Toastmasters works because: You progress at your own pace No prior experience is required All backgrounds and abilities are welcome It’s one of the few environments where growth matters more than perfection. 7. Personal Growth Beyond Speaking Many members report growth in:

Hey everyone! Happy Monday! This weeks drills Triples up to 20 and back 1,1,1,-2,2,2-3,3,3… Filler Phrase of the week: Anybody Bid (one of my favorites!) Tongue Twister of the week: Proper copper coffee pot Have fun and be awesome!

Here is the warm up routine that we discussed on last weeks Auctioneer Q&A. You can use this every time you practice or before you get on stage on in the auction box. AUCTIONEER EVENT-DAY WARMUP Clear numbers Strong voice Calm breath Control the room HYDRATE Room-temp or warm water No ice No yelling No throat clearing RESET Stand tall Shoulders relaxed One slow belly breath HUM Soft hum 30–60 sec Low → mid → high → mid → low Easy vibration only VOICE ACTIVATE Ah slides (low to high to low) Numbers up and down 1–10 10–1 Light, not forced FACE & TONGUE Pick ONE Betty Botter Red leather, yellow leather Pluma place a pewter platter Around the rough and rugged rock Big mouth Loose face FIND YOUR DRONE Ho hum Bing bong Ding dong Start chant from the hum“I’m bid one now… two now…” BREATH CONTROL Open mouth slightly Drop diaphragm Belly breath Refill early Breathe on beat Never run to empty METRONOME (OPTIONAL)140–150 BPM20–30 seconds Clean numbers only Stop before fatigue MENTAL RESET Numbers first Clarity builds trust "I control the room" ON STAGE Numbers on the beat Fillers between beats Breathe early ing-song saves your voice Trust beats speed WARNING SIGNS Tight throat Dry mouth Gasping Rushing You don’t warm up to get loud. You warm up to get clear. Clear auctioneers raise more money.

When you practice do you use a microphone. For someone like me who struggles with rhythm this JBL speaker with the circling light the rhythm really helps me. What works for you or do you use a speaker and microphone or just practice without anything?