Speaking-

Overcome the Fear with Toastmasters!

Advice from Expert Speakers.

   After joining a large consulting organization, I was frequently in a position where I had to present to peers, supervisors, and clients. I knew I was going to have to do something to deal with this fear.

   If you talk to any psychologist, they'll tell you that the best way to overcome a fear is to face it. That's exactly what I did. I heard about a public speaking club called Toastmasters, and I decided I would see what it was all about. For the first few meetings, I didn't say anything. I just quietly observed. Then I decided that if I was going to overcome the fear, I really just needed to jump in with both feet.

   After three meetings, I gave my first speech. I was nervous. I didn't feel I was prepared, and at the time, I didn't think it went well. But in retrospect, it went very well. Sure.... maybe my mechanics weren't very polished, and maybe I could have done a better job with gestures and vocal variety, and maybe I stumbled on my words in a few places, but it went well. It went well simply because I got up there and I did it.

   Toastmasters is an international club aimed at educating its members and improving communication. For someone seeking to improve their speaking and communication skills, there is no better place.

   For most members, the first speech is the most difficult as they face their fear and begin to get used to speaking before a group...it certainly was for me! As the members complete each project, they develop important skills such as speech organization, non-verbal communication, and vocal variety. Upon completion of all 10 projects, members can build upon that strong foundation with more advanced and specialized programs.

   In addition to prepared speeches, a portion of every meeting is devoted to Table Topics, or short one or two minute impromptu speeches. This challenges members to think on their feet and communicate in a clear and concise manner. This is a beneficial skill in many areas of daily life, such as job interviews, meetings, sales calls, or maybe explaining to the police officer why you were speeding! Giving an impromptu speech may seem daunting at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets.

   One of the best resources available to each member is the local club. The club members provide encouragement and offer constructive suggestions for improvement to the speakers. That is where the real growth happens. In a speech class, a speaker will have one instructor giving his or her opinion...a very narrow view. In Toastmasters, a speaker will have many seasoned speakers giving many different opinions on how it went and suggestions for improvement.

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