I went to Toastmasters
Do you know what Toastmasters International is? It's a nationwide (perhaps worldwide) organization designed to encourage people in their speech making and communication skills. The website is www.toastmasters.org. I have a degree in communication, and have never had an issue with presentations or communicating, but I have always been curious about this group.
So, I went last night. I was a little nervous, because what if I just didn't belong? I mean, there are professionals, people who are used to being out in the world dealing with others on a daily basis. What if I just didn't fit in? What if they asked me what I do for a living? I was pretty much a bundle of nerves.
This group is pretty informal. Lots of laughter. I did get up and speak twice. And every person there asked me about my job. I kept saying, "I am in transition at this point," or, "I've owned my own company for several years, but it deals with real estate, and now that the market has flatlined, I'm taking a step back and figuring out what I want to do." Once when I mentioned that I am a stay at home wife and mom, but was responded with, "Where are you looking?" One person didn't say anything about it. That's okay. I'm still trying on this skin. I wasn't offended or anything.
The meeting is twice a month from 7-9. Unfortunately, my dance class is from 8:15-9:00. I did leave early, and I missed a few minutes of dance (and I had to dance in a business suit, which was funny). I'm trying to see if I can sneak out of the meeting a few minutes early, then arrive at dance a few minutes late.
Is anybody else in Toastmasters? Has it benefitted you?
So, I went last night. I was a little nervous, because what if I just didn't belong? I mean, there are professionals, people who are used to being out in the world dealing with others on a daily basis. What if I just didn't fit in? What if they asked me what I do for a living? I was pretty much a bundle of nerves.
This group is pretty informal. Lots of laughter. I did get up and speak twice. And every person there asked me about my job. I kept saying, "I am in transition at this point," or, "I've owned my own company for several years, but it deals with real estate, and now that the market has flatlined, I'm taking a step back and figuring out what I want to do." Once when I mentioned that I am a stay at home wife and mom, but was responded with, "Where are you looking?" One person didn't say anything about it. That's okay. I'm still trying on this skin. I wasn't offended or anything.
The meeting is twice a month from 7-9. Unfortunately, my dance class is from 8:15-9:00. I did leave early, and I missed a few minutes of dance (and I had to dance in a business suit, which was funny). I'm trying to see if I can sneak out of the meeting a few minutes early, then arrive at dance a few minutes late.
Is anybody else in Toastmasters? Has it benefitted you?
Do you have subjects you speak on? Is it extemporanious speaking?
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Holly, they have a membership book, with different types of speeches. Your meeting has a theme. For instance, our next theme is Goofy Valentines. The styles of speeches (and I don't know all of them because I don't have the book) are using visual aids, body movement, etc. There are people who are featured speakers. They write and give the speech. The first thing we do is draw a topic and extemp that (it was, "What I've learned from my dog."). At the end of the meeting, there are short extemp topics we speak on, as well (mine this meeting was, "Tell me about your best friend in 2nd grade."). There are people who hold various positions during the meeting; ie, grammarian, librarian, timekeeper, toastmaster, evaluator, etc. They also must give reviews of the speeches.
In short, there is both planned and extemporaneous speaking.
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