There is an incredibly valuable resource available for almost nothing to anyone who wants to take the leap and become more able and confident at public speaking.
I am speaking of course about Toastmasters – that ancient organization originated in the last century by men who wanted to drink and talk (or so legend says).
Today Toastmasters is so much more. There is very little drinking (although I did sample some single malt Scotch and a glass of excellent homemade brew at past meetings) and it has become a very popular world-wide organization.
There are many reasons people join Toastmasters. I joined to become better at pitching my graphic design services to potential clients. And thus, began a long journey to become a speaker and then a speaker coach. So I also owe much to my Toastmaster’s start and to the people who have graciously helped me along the way.
To be sure, there are a number of Toastmasters practices and inadequacies I take issue with and I might just rant about one or two of them if I wake up in a uber cranky mood some day.
But for now, let’s talk about what I see as its most obvious benefit. The greatest value I see to average ordinary folk incoming to the Toastmasters groups I have belonged to is very simple.
They get to practice (and therefore get better) in front of a very gentle and supporting group of people.
This builds better speaking skills and, most important, confidence.
And we all know confidence is the key to the golden door of happiness and success in life.
So my advice to anyone starting out, whether you are an extrovert or introvert, look for a good Toastmasters club (unfortunately there are many that are not up to snuff) and jump in.
They are generally a safe place to get better. And we all need a safe place to get better.
