Comments on: Toastmasters is Torture! So why do it?

By: Miss Kimmie

Miss Kimmie — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 13:18:55 +0000

When I walked into my first TI meeting a couple of weeks ago, I was immediately greeted with enthusiasm, support and encouragement. IT WAS OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE, and I loved it. I give my “ice breaker” speech in 4 days, and the next day I am COMPETING in an evaluation competition. I figure the best way to master my fear is to jump right in there, because I KNOW how good I am at avoiding that which makes me uncomfortable. Aside from the speaking, I have never, ever, ever walked into a room, not knowing a soul, and immediately felt as if I was with old friends. kimmie

By: Jerry

Jerry — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 02:09:21 +0000

I’m a long time Toastmaster and a “believer” of the organization and growth process it fosters. I love this thread and I’ve left a comment before. I wanted to share a note that a TM sent me after I offered to help her organize an important speech she is giving to her organization. She practiced parts of it in the clubm wants it to be betterm and recieved several offers of help.

“I’m so inspired by this group. I grew up feeling that everyone was pretty much on their own in life, which I know is not a recipe to do good work and have a fulfilling life, but there it is. I’ve not been in a room with so many people who have such altruistic intentions, who are supportive and encouraging to do more with life and are willing to actually help each other. It’s a revelation and gives me hope.”

Hope you all are reaching your goals and I hope you are recieving help and support as you stretch.

Jerry

By: SAM

SAM — Sun, 15 Feb 2009 00:16:48 +0000

Nice post! I’d just come back from a TLI session yesterday, and now I really understand what it means to be a Toastmaster. (TLI- TM Leadership Institute)

IMO, TM is really like nothing else; the warmth, enthusiasm, and positive attitude adds to the value of bring in TM.

My experience has been that of bouncing back and forth being an introvert and extrovert. Suffice to say, it was a personality conflict when it came to working the audience while I speak.

As for the common denominator of fear and trepidation in speaking- I’d been reading for a scientific basis for it, and discovered that it’s due to a mixture of social and biological conditioning. It comes down to the need for the self to protect itself from others.

By: Miss Kimmie

Miss Kimmie — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 17:39:40 +0000

I found this site yesterday, and TOMORROW I attend my first TI meeting. Regardless what our fear is, its effect on us stems, in some fashion, from how we think we are perceived by others. I’m a 50-year-old skilled professional in the midst of a career change, and I’m scared stinking silly that I won’t be able to pull it off. Public speaking is not my problem; it’s the fact that the cahones that enable me to speak have failed me. I believe that the TI experience will help me not only hone my existing skills, but also provide a boost in confidence that I sorely need. I hope it is the safe, positive environment I think it is. If you’ve been “meaning to do it”…DO!

By: Msminiducky

Msminiducky — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:04:15 +0000

Oh, my goodness, I *just* made the decision to join TM last week. I have to admit that I’m pretty terrified about the whole thing, and it’s really comforting to hear that YES, it’s good for you.

By: Writing and Speaking

Writing and Speaking — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 08:54:16 +0000

Nice post you’ve got here.. Quite helpful. I really enjoyed reading this post. By the way, how did the eulogy for your grandfather go? Just curious. Anyway, thanks for posting this.

–Stephen

By: MissZ

MissZ — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:30:19 +0000

I’m a Toastmaster in The Woodlands, Texas. Ours is a new club and very welcoming of members. We are a group of seemingly unrelated individuals who come together successfully to improve our communication skills.

I’m one of the odd people who have always enjoyed public speaking. I get nervous just as I’m sure most people do, but I thrive on the challenge. My best advice is to follow the Nike motto and “Just Do It” Stop thinking about joining TM and just do it. What’s the worst that can happen, you learn to communicate more effectively…..

By: Weekend Roundup-Host Nightmare Edition | Think Your Way to Wealth

Weekend Roundup-Host Nightmare Edition | Think Your Way to Wealth — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 20:21:25 +0000

[...] gives 5 reasons for becoming a better public speaker in Toastmasters is Torture! So Why Do It? I have been slowly getting over my fear of public speaking over the last few years, and [...]

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 07:18:47 +0000

I joined TM in 2005 at my workplace. Last year I moved to Shanghai,China and was surprised to find over 22 clubs in Shanghai alone. Now I’m a mentor for two individuals, a sponsor for two new clubs and in the China Advanced Toastmasters club. I’d encourage everyone to check out a local group – Toastmasters are extremely friendly and just want to improve themselves, and help their fellow members improve too. We help each other through positive evaluations. During the evaluation, you’ll hear what the speaker did well and specific points to improve on. There is a manual you work out of, and only one thing to work on per speech. If you use that one thing (like organization, vocal variety, visual aids) your speech is considered a success.

The ah-counter helps you by picking up your filler words. Most of the time, people don’t realize they use those words. By being aware of them, you can get rid of them – and every person at the meeting has some!

By: Jerry

Jerry — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 22:59:43 +0000

This is a great description of the growth process experienced by Toastmasters that apply themselves to overcoming their fears. I have been a TM for many years and have seen people go from not being able to introduce themselves to the ability to present powerful speeches on very personal and intimate topics to large groups. Contributing to this growth in others is one of the reasons I continue to participate in the “self-inflicted, self-improvement process” of Toastmasters.