While Mum was here, we left her with the kids, while I visited Toastmasters. It was very interesting and kind of fun, but I was petrified when I had to stand up and talk. I had to talk twice. The first time was the beginning of the night, when I had to introduce myself. Everyone else had a quote or fact to relate. All I had was my name lol. The second time I had to talk was at the end of the night when I was asked to say what I thought of the meeting. I was practically whispering, I was so scared!
I have decided to join, though. I think it will be helpful in building my confidence.
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Categories: Blogs
Rafferty's Rules is Closing Down 
Thanks for mentioning my blog post! I really appreciate it. Enjoy the rest of your weekend…
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You are welcome. Enjoy your weekend also.
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Thanks for linking to my post.
Kudos to you for overcoming your fear and joining a club!
At my home club we also follow the practice of inviting our guests to introduce themselves and to share their thoughts at the end of the meeting. One of our members recently suggested that in doing this, we are “doing it wrong” – it puts a visitor who may be checking out TM as a place to overcome their fear of speaking, into a scary situation.
What are your thoughts on this practice – do you think it could be scaring away potential new members? Apparently it didn’t scare you away!
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I know a lot of clubs frown on this practice, but I think it is perfectly fine as long as the guest can speak from their chair and it is made clear that they don’t have to speak if they don’t wish to. Having said that, I think it is a great way to break the ice as it only involves giving an opinion rather than a whole speech. I have only ever seen one person who was too shy to do this and she wound up joining anyway. It was amazing seeing her transform from the timid lady who barely whispered hello, to a confident woman able to give a five to seven minute speech without the lecturn. Toastmasters rules!
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Personally I’m in favor of the practice. Participation is the only way one will ever overcome their fear of speaking, and Toastmasters is the safest place to practice.
I can imagine how you must feel to have witnessed this lady’s transformation. I agree, it as an amazing thing to witness.
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