4 Years ago
I joined Toastmasters. It wasn’t a choice. It was a necessity.
I’ve seen people
join public speaking for many reasons over the years:
-Want to get
ahead at work
-Out of work
and want to do better at job interviews
-Want to
learn how to speak English more clearly
-Want to
learn how to network more and polish speaking ability
My reason
initially was to overcome “fear of public speaking”. But it was also the fear
of connecting with people –especially in a group.
But the irony
is that the things I’ve ultimately gotten from Toastmasters have nothing to do
with the reason I joined.
#1 I never
thought I’d make a group of people laugh at my jokes. Only close friends of
mine ever told me I was funny. So when people actually laughed at my first
speech it confused me. I was like, “Oh! I really am funny.” That’s the first
thing you get from Toastmasters you don’t come here seeking outright: Finding
out Who You Are. Not just who you suspect you are, but who other people verifiably
confirm You Are. The Real You. The Hidden You. The Intended You.
#2 I’d never
thought I’d “engage an audience”. They tell you that’s what professional
speakers do well. They don’t just talk to a group of people; they include and
Lead a group of people in a discussion. They look people in the eye and say, “Hey
I’m not just saying this for the sake of saying this –I’m saying this For You.
I SEE You. I want you to Hear Me. Let’s engage in this topic like human beings
concerned appreciating the same meaningful significance.
#3 People. I
hoped to get good at maybe talking to people. But had NO idea about the KINDS
of people I’d meet. These are strong, warm, caring people. These are life-long
friends. These are guides to help you find out things you weren’t even aware of
that you needed to know. These are supporters who have your back and root for
you silently every time you step in front of the lectern.
#4 Criticism.
Who wants criticism? Nobody! Nobody seeks out feedback of that nature. And I do
mean criticism because whether you like it or not that’s the way feedback hits
you sometimes –especially in the beginning. But to learn how to take those
words and either use them to your advantage or NOT CARE either way because you
are secure with who you are and what was said and most importantly Your Message
was heard.
#5 Finding a
Voice. Finding a Message. I had no voice. I had 22 years of built of message.
But no Voice. No one to listen even if I did. And I found it. And the confidence
to speak with it. And the courage to try out different ways of speaking with
it.
#6 Contribution.
I never thought when I joined that I had something to give back. That there was
something in me to Give to this group. I thought I was there to get –not to
give. But then without trying I did. Not just as an officer supporting the
behind-the-scenes of the club. But as a person arriving early helping to setup
for the meeting. Meeting up with someone who needed help on a speech they were nervous
about. Giving valuable insight into someone’s speech they just gave –not How
they gave it, but How it made me feel when they did because it was that moving.
You give back every day –whether you try or not. And you get every day in this
club.
·
The
speeches
·
Seeing
people evolve and break through invisible barriers
·
Enjoying
the energy in the room and the humor
Sometimes
the only thing that got me up in the early morning hours to come to a meeting
when I wasn’t even going to fill a role that day was the possibility of hearing
someone say something I’d never heard anyone else say before about a topic I
didn’t even know I was passionate about. You don’t find places like this every day.
You are meant to be here for one reason or another. And the reason you joined
is Not going to be the reason you stay. And what you thought you’d get out of
this club isn’t even close to what this club will actually give to you and you
will contribute back to the world.
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