Alumni Digest / U of T / Ideas /
Stephan Dyer rehearses for the room
The comedian and public-speaking teacher urges presenters to practise aloud, involve their listeners and make every minute earn its place.
Stephan Dyer at a desk with a podcast microphone.Photo: Kemeisha McDonald
The context
Where the work begins
Stephan Dyer's path to comedy ran through a banking career and a U of T Toastmasters class. The 2010 commerce graduate later left finance, performed with major comedy outlets and co-founded reTHINK Group to teach workplace communication. He now teaches public speaking at U of T's School of Continuing Studies.
The takeaway
What follows
His advice is demanding but practical. Open strongly, tailor the material to the audience and invite participation every few minutes. Rehearsal means speaking aloud, not running through words in your head. Dyer recommends at least 20 run-throughs for a 30-minute presentation; recording practice sessions helps speakers hear repetition and decide what to cut.
Source reporting
Stephan Dyer rehearses for the room
Original summary by Alumni Digest, based on public source reporting. This independent publication is not affiliated with or endorsed by the University of Toronto. Source image retained for editorial review; rights clearance is still required before any broader reuse.
