This is going to begin a series of blog entries on “developer tools”. I’m going to expand though on the traditional definition of developer tool, and go beyond just software, although I’ll discuss some of those as well. I’m also going to mention things like physical tools, sources of free training, and organizations you can become a member of. All of which will help you become a better developer.
Speaking of organizations, it’s an organization that I’ve picked out for the first tool: Toastmasters. Yes, I can hear your puzzlement now, Toastmasters? OK, so perhaps you don’t regularly give speeches. But very few of us work in a vacuum, having specs e-mailed to us and sending them back out without speaking to anyone.
If you’re like me, you speak with people every day. You meet with users or customers to discuss their requirements. You speak with other developers to go over specifications. Your boss, project manager, or employer drag you into endless meetings. Often in those meetings you are tasked with presenting, be it a proposed solution or the final results of months of coding. In all of these instances you are “publicly speaking”.
Toastmasters provides you with the tools to polish your speaking habits. Through practice and friendly, supportive suggestions your speaking skills will quickly improve. They also have a variety of books and manuals targeted to different needs, including developers. The two I’m working through right now are called “Management Presentations” and “Technical Presentations”.
Toastmasters has many clubs, and likely has a club in your area. Head on over to http://www.Toastmasters.org and do a search for a club near you. Attend a meeting, it won’t cost you anything to attend one meeting and see what it’s all about. If you are someone like me, who just happens to really enjoy public speaking, or you just want to improve your ability to communicate with your coworkers, Toastmasters will give you the tools to fulfill your vision.
Arcane Code 