Members Only | 07.09.25
How MSPs Can Master Public Speaking and Become the Toast of the Town
By Teddy Durgin
Medical Services Professionals (MSPs) and Provider Enrollment professionals have many talents. But for many, public speaking is one they want to hone. Sometimes, though, MSPs and Provider Enrollment professionals are called upon to deliver speeches or presentations in front of various groups, large and small. For those who dread such occasions or who have had to give talks in front of audiences in the past and are looking to sharpen their skills, help is available in the form of tips from MSPs who participate in Toastmasters International.
All About Public Speaking Training
Founded in 1924, this organization has public speaking clubs around the globe. The mission of Toastmasters is to provide “a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth,” according to the organization’s website. They’ll also teach you how to deliver a dynamite speech!
One NAMSS member who has benefited is Michelle Higgins, CPCS, CPMSM, MBA-HM, director, HealthTrust Workforce Solutions Verified Professionals/HCA Healthcare.
She says Toastmasters has provided her a plethora of practice opportunities in a positive environment.
“With involvement in Toastmasters, you learn how to organize your thoughts and deliver your message more effectively,” she says. “The first time that I presented at a NAMSS conference, my club held a special meeting to allow me to give my full presentation and offer feedback on how to improve. During our Toastmasters meetings, we have what is known as ‘table topics’, which is an impromptu speaking opportunity on an unknown question. The task is to provide a mini-speech response for one to two minutes. This greatly helps when receiving audience questions after a presentation!”
Another NAMSS member who has also improved her public speaking via Toastmasters is Rebecca Pontaski, MHA, CPMSM, CPCS, RHIT, administrator, Midland Quality Alliance in Texas. She notes that she has enhanced her ability in the realm of conflict resolution, leadership development, and even in interview preparation.
She says, “They guide you through what’s called a path, and through an educational program, you learn how to manipulate or go through conflict resolution and how you have the ability to work through things. You role-play. At the end, you are more confident in putting it all into practice in real life. I’ve used what I have learned at work, at church, and even at home and in my personal life.”
Take in These Tips
So, what are some tips that these two professionals have learned about public speaking that would be of benefit to any MSP or Provider Enrollment professional reading this? Pontaski was quick to answer: “Before you get in front of anyone, take a deep breath. Just breathe. And, remember, what you say, most people won’t understand. That’s because you’re the professional, and they want to know what you know. They’re hungry for what you have. Take a deep breath before you go on, relax, take it all in, and slowly breathe out.”
She continues, “We also do not want to use filler words. So instead of the ‘ums’ and ‘ahs’ that you hear a lot, you’ll want to train yourself to pause instead. The pause is the comma and the period of our sentence when we are speaking. Then, we continue just as if we are writing. That is the easiest thing to remember. It’s almost as if you are writing on paper, but it is speaking. And remember when you are in front of people, it’s OK to use hand gestures because people want to know that you are excited. They want to see your passion. So, make sure people do see those hand gestures, but make sure you are not fidgeting. It will come across as you being nervous, and they will be scared for you.”
Higgins concurs, “One important thing is to indeed keep tabs on your filler word usage, such as ‘ah,’ ‘uh,’ ‘um,’ ‘so,’ and ‘you know.’ Use of these words takes away our credibility as a speaker. When you feel yourself starting to use one of these words, try taking a stately pause instead, giving yourself a moment to think prior to continuing with your response. Another thing I have learned is to make your point, support it with a fact or example, and then move on. Avoid run-on sentences or repeating the same points. Third, don’t be afraid to use supportive visual prompts! It can be helpful to consume information when there is something to look at.”
What Not to Do When Giving a Speech
And, finally, what are some things MSPs and Provider Enrollment professionals should definitely not do when delivering a speech? Higgins says it is important not to forget who your audience is. “Tailor your message to the audience and do not assume you know that they know the message you are trying to convey or the background.”
Presented with the same question, Pontaski summed up, “Hand gestures are good to have, but multiple instances of waving up and down and being very energetic and animated to the point of distraction are probably not good. Pacing is also not good. It’s almost like drawing a triangle on the floor and staying in it or doing the two-step. The two-step is OK. The four-step is not OK! You don’t have to move a lot. It’s more about small gestures — the cocking of the head, the raising of the hands above the head — those things give a much better illusion of vibrant movement versus running around a stage and trying to get a reaction from your audience.”
Your Voice Matters
Public speaking may feel intimidating, but as these professionals show, it’s a skill that can be cultivated — and one that pays dividends across your career and life. Whether you’re leading a meeting, giving a presentation, or advocating for your team, your voice matters. So take the first step, find your local Toastmasters group or get in touch with your fellow MSPs, and let your story inspire others.